<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Indiana Pacers rookie Danny Granger's initial reaction was shock. Ron Artest, the teammate Granger spent countless hours battling in games of one-on-one and picking his brain on how to improve his game, didn't want to play for the Pacers anymore. "I was like, 'Whoa,' when I heard about it," Granger recalled. "I was upset because I play the same position he does, and he helped get me better." The shock didn't last long as reality quickly set in. Granger's responsibilities were about to become even more important. "I've got to be ready to produce," Granger said as the Pacers prepared to host Utah tonight. "With Ron gone, a lot of people have to step up. It's important that myself and others make up for his 19 points a game and his defensive skills." It will be hard for the Pacers to replace Artest because there are few people in the league with his all-around ability. Granger likely won't be a starter anytime soon, but the Pacers feel confident he will help fill the void left by Artest's departure. "It is my own feeling that Danny Granger can become the kind of player that Ronnie was," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said earlier this week. "It won't be immediate. It will take him time. He is a rookie. He has to get his feet wet. He has to earn respect around the league. When he does that and when he's comfortable and gets in the flow, I think he's going to be a fine player." Granger constantly asked Artest about the subtleties of the pro game. The two would often stay after practice playing one-on-one. And just like in games, Granger got the rookie treatment from Artest in their battles on the court. "He taught me that you always have to play hard," Granger said. "Don't take possessions off. It doesn't matter how tired you get, he's going to keep playing hard. A lot of people when they get tired they're going to slack on defense and save it for offense. Ron, he played hard no matter which way he played. That's the one important message I got from him."</div> Source
