All-Star Experience Guarding Shaq, scoring and just being there made for a fun, memorable experience for first-time All-Star Danny Granger, whose exclusive blog takes fans behind the scenes for the full weekend. | Also: Photo gallery | Danny Granger All-Star Central | All-Star Game
Five months before he was forced into premature retirement by balky knees in 2006, Jonathan Bender took the initiative to put together a relief effort that delivered two tractor-trailers filled with donated goods to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans area, including his hometown of Picayune, Miss.
He still hasn't stopped helping. That initial act of kindness has blossomed into a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture for the former Pacers forward.
The Pacers announced July 9 two trades that bring seven new faces to the team. In a deal with Toronto, the Pacers acquired T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston and Roy Hibbert (the 17th overall pick in June’s NBA draft) for Jermaine O’Neal and Nathan Jawai (the 41st pick in the draft). In a trade with Portland, the Pacers receive Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts and Brandon Rush (13th overall pick in the draft) in exchange for Ike Diogu and Jerryd Bayless (the 11th pick in the draft).
Larry Bird: Explains moves in open letter to fans
Jim O'Brien: Analyzing each of the newcomers
Bill Benner: Winds of change bring fresh air
Conrad Brunner: Deals add depth, flexibility -- and D
Mark Boyle: Play-by-play veteran reacts to moves
Reaction: NBA analysts like Pacers' moves
Press Conferences: Veterans | Rookies
Though he pulled off two major trades that landed six players, including No. 13 pick Brandon Rush and No. 17 pick Roy Hibbert, along with veteran point guards T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack, Pacers President Larry Bird couldn't talk about his windfall due to NBA rules technicalities.
J.O. says farewell to Pacers
Workout features: Brandon Rush | Roy Hibbert
Caught in the Web: Check out Bruno's live pick-by-pick draft-night blog
Indy Cornrows: Chronicling the draft party proceedings inside and out.
Photo Gallery: Pacers draft party
Darnell "Dr. Dunk" Hillman was the NBA's first slam-dunk champion in 1977, so who better to analyze those who followed his footsteps to become the greatest dunkers in Pacers history? Hillman also makes his pick of the opponent he'd most like to face in a dunk-off.
Photo Gallery: Pacers' greatest dunkers
Alumni Update: Stansbury took career to new levels in Europe
News Archive
- Rush, Hibbert work to get in synch
- Granger, Pacers happy with deal
- Granger signs extension
- Reports of Perkins' demise premature
- Croshere, Davis released
- Williams dealt; Foster extended
- Rasho's in the house
- Where do Pacers fit in East?
- Bender a superstar in real life
- Kellogg in lead role at CBS
- Pacers involved at Speedway
- Graham to return
- Morway promoted
- Simon steps in as Chairman and CEO
- No respect for Dunleavy
- Diener has surgery
- Old friends in unfamiliar places
- Gentlemen, start your search engines
- Diener looking forward to bigger things next season
- Indy Cornrows sees signs of hope for future
- Walsh's challenge bigger than Bird's
- Bird wishes Walsh well with Knicks
- Walsh leaves Pacers
- Transcript of Herb Simon interview
- Murray, Diener effective combo at point
- O'Neal returns for stretch run
- Daniels hopes to take flight on wing
- Murray fills variety of needs
- Murphy's drives yielding results
- Graham stays ready to produce
- Diener making most of opportunity
- Numbers favor Pacers down stretch
- Playoff position still in team's hands
- Harrison fined, suspended
- Incident clouds Williams' future
- NBA suspends Granger for 1 game
- Foster ready for whatever awaits
- Granger, Dunleavy step up in O'Neal's absence
- O'Neal's absence may be prolonged
- Pacers poised for second-half surge
- Defense keys Rush's resurgence
- Team seeking stronger finishes
- Harrison suspended by NBA
- Granger striving for consistency
- Ballboys do more than title implies
- Hamstring sidelines Tinsley
- Tinsley apologizes for incident
- Tinsley adds go-to scoring to reportoire
- Flawed logic in O'Neal debate
- NBA denies Dallas protest
- O'Neal's status a swelling problem
- O'Neal, youth form strong relationship
- With starters limping, Sims returns
- With two cuts, roster looks set
- Audio: O'Brien discusses team, league
- Rush shooting for second chance
- Trade trio hungry for redemption
- Granger more prepared for major role
- Opportunity awaits confident Harrison
- Williams apologizes to fans, franchise
- Williams suspended 3 games by Pacers
- O'Brien making big impression with fans
- Reggie's birthday wish: no more comeback calls
- Daniels eager to unleash frustration
- Bird sees big impact from small moves
- Pacers announce Diener's signing
- Pacers don't match Toronto's offer for Baston
- Walsh comments on passing of Pacers' first coach
- Diogu out 4-6 weeks
- Bird management era dawns for Pacers
- New look for new season
- Dunleavy making bold statement
- Reggie contemplating comeback with Celtics
- "Accidental coach" Conner a rising star
- O'Brien answers fans' questions in chat
- Harter, Conner rejoin O'Brien's staff of assistants
- Miller, Daniels, O'Neal top voting for 40th Anniversary Team
- Walsh inducted into South Carolina Hall of Fame
- Reggie enters Pacers pantheon
- Fleming inducted into New York Hall of Fame
- Smits receives high honor from The Netherlands
- Book ranks Reggie in top 50 of all-time
