Danny Granger missed most of last season with knee issues, but he is expected to return this season and senses that the Indiana Pacers are again legitimate title contenders.

Granger handled the brunt of the Pacers' offensive load in past seasons, prior to the emergence of Paul George. The 30-year-old is looking forward to George -- and teammates like Roy Hibbert and George Hill -- to take additional pressure off him.

“[George] takes a lot of the pressure away from me,” Granger admitted. “I’ve carried a lot of it for so many years and I’m older now, I’m 30, and I tell Paul and George and all them, ‘Man, when I was ya’ll age.’ It takes a lot of pressure off of me. He can create and do his things. And Paul, he’s on his way.”

Granger is confident he can co-exist with George.