It’s a busy day for a lot of folks, what with an inauguration or two. Tom Lewis of Indy Cornrows was still kind to take a moment with us before tonight’s at home against the Pacers. Since the Spurs are having difficulties slowing uber-athletic wings this season (see: 76ers, Philly) we decided to talk about Danny Granger.

TV: Talk to us about the growth of Danny Granger.

TL: There were several reasons why the Pacers traded Ron Artest and then Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington, but the big reason was to give Danny Granger room to grow and develop his game on the court. So far Granger has taken advantage of that opportunity and then some. Since getting a healthy dose of consistent minutes after Jackson and Harrington were moved, Granger’s game has continually improved.

In his first full year sharing the top scoring option (with Mike Dunleavy) last year, Granger proved he was up to the task by averaging 19.6 ppg. While the numbers were solid last year, there were still areas to his game that needed development. Taking players off the dribble, creating his own shot, and stepping up during crunch time were holes in his game that needed filling.

This year those trouble spots have improved dramatically and while all three areas were better to start the season, Granger has improved on all three throughout the first half of this season. With Mike Dunleavy missing most of the season, Granger has had a huge load to carry offensively and he’s stepped his game up to take it on.

The next step is on the defensive end. He’s shown he can lock down an opponent but doesn’t consistently make an impact at that end of the floor.

TL: Fortunately, the Pacers locked up Granger to a 5-year extension before the season started and assuming he’ll meet the incentives he’ll be in the $13 million per year range. The Pacers have a few decisions to make on players with expiring contracts but regardless of whether they keep those players or replace them there won’t be much room around the cap this summer. They may need to be stingy with their role players and go with more youth (see: cheap) to maintain a flexible cap situation.

TL: The Pacers would become a tough out with a strong power forward that can defend and score around the hoop. You only need to look back to last night’s loss to New Orleans to see the glaring need as the Pacers weren’t able to take advantage of the Hornets without David West and Tyson Chandler on the floor.

TL: I understand why Planet Spurs misses Rasho and the subtle yet solid game he brings to the floor. I never properly appreciated his game until I began watching him every night. Occasionally, Rasho is out of place with Jim O’Brien’s offense that attempts to push the pace at all times. But when the ball is in the half court, Rasho can deal out of the high post and keep the offense moving quite efficiently. I know the Pacers would love to bring him back next year but the market will determine whether or not they can. With Roy Hibbert developing in the wings and Jeff Foster already signed, Rasho may find a better deal elsewhere. It will depend on what other moves or draft picks the Pacers can use to fortify their front court.