Pacers forward Danny Granger wants to strengthen his defense this summer in order to become one of the league's best defenders.

"Danny will get better," Pacers president Larry Bird said. "He'll do what it takes to get better. Danny plays with a chip on his shoulder. The one thing Danny has to do is take leadership on the defensive end. I think once he does that, guys will follow and we'll get better."

Granger is looking to take the route of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who started as offensive players and worked to improve on the other end of the court.

"LeBron didn't always play defense and D-Wade didn't always play defense," Granger said. "Now they've realized to be good in this league or to have an elite team you have to play defense. Next year I'll have more of a commitment to it because you kind of get zoned out.

"People are always talking about how many points I score and this, that or another. I get zoned out, even in games."

Via Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers

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