Granger Injured in Team USA Practice

        Forward Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers) left Team USA's training camp in New York City today with an injured right ring finger. Granger thinks he dislocated the finger playing defense in a scrimmage during the first full day of practice and could cause him to miss some time, not just with Team USA's World Championship, but also with the Indiana Pacers. Granger jammed his finger against the underside of the rim, trying to contest a shot and immediately left the court seeking treatment.

        Before camp opened, it was thought that Granger was potentially a bubble player at a crowded position on the wing, but his size, versailtity and scoring ability could push him ahead of Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) and Jeff Green (Oklahoma City Thunder). This latest injury, similar to one that sidelined David Lee last month in Las Vegas, could keep Granger off the team when a final 12-man roster must be submitted at the end of August for the World Championship in Turkey.

        X-rays were taken after practice so Granger's health will be monitored closely over the next 24 hours.


By Chris Andrews - 8-11-10