For a team that once boasted the likes of stand-up players like Reggie Miller, the Indiana Pacers' organization has spent the last few years searching for an identity.
Too often the first and most popular image that comes to mind when somebody mentions the Pacers is the infamous "Malice at the Palace," where members of the Pacers, including Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal, leaped into the stands and pounded on Detroit Pistons fans.
For years, the organization has tried to distance itself from the ugly incident. The Pacers have since parted ways with Artest and recently shipped O'Neal to the Toronto Raptors.
But how do you distance yourself from an event that has become ingrained in the minds of sports fans?
If Indiana truly wishes to eradicate the stigma the "Malice at the Palace" created, then it needs to take this recent act by former UNM basketball player and current Pacer Danny Granger and run with it.
In a news conference Wednesday, Granger said he would donate $500,000 to the University's Athletics Department, specifically toward the renovation project at The Pit.
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Not only is this good for UNM from a public relations standpoint, but the Pacers come out smelling like roses. That is, if they are smart and lock Granger up with a contract extension.
Granger, who will become a restricted free agent in 2009, has been in ongoing discussions with Pacers management. However, they have yet to strike a deal.
Larry Bird, as president of Basketball Operations for the Pacers, if you're as smart as you appear, you will immediately come to terms on a contract extension with Granger.
With O'Neal gone, you don't need me to tell you that Granger is the face of your franchise. I'm sure you know.
But it has been long since Indiana received any notable publicity - let alone good publicity. If it wasn't obvious Granger could erase the negative attachments of the brawl, please tell me you see the light.
What Granger is doing for UNM is an indication of the person he is.
Before Wednesday, I hadn't ever spoken to Granger. But despite not being semi-acquainted, Danny had the decency to set aside a few minutes to chat with me.
He had nothing but good things to say about your organization.
"We had a few bad spots," Granger said, referring to the brawl. "But I think we're in the process of having a good reputation on and off the court. This is a step toward showing the players that we have on the Pacers are high-quality, high-caliber players."
He even took the time to compliment his teammates. Could you ask for a humbler superstar?
All of you in upper management or anyone who has a voice in the Pacers' organization has gotten to know the real Danny Granger.
Somehow, though, you have forgotten his importance. In a sense, he is a savior to your organization.
He can and will bring the Pacers of old back out from underneath the indelible shadow Artest and O'Neal cast.
I know you probably have every intention of ironing out a deal soon. I'm just reminding you. If you're smart, hammering out a deal by the end of the week would be ideal.
