Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle faced off against Danny Granger and the Pacers on Tuesday night and believes that the forward will be an All-Star sooner rather than later.

"The deal he just signed is a deal he deserves because he's stepped up his game every single year," Carlisle said. "He gained my confidence very early as a rookie. He's going to be an All-Star player. He may be an All-Star this year if he continues at this pace. Their team is going to be good in the East."

Granger, who was coached by Carlisle in his first two NBA seasons, signed a $60 million contract extension with the Pacers on Oct. 31.