Danny Granger is the real deal. Mike Dunleavy gives up as many points as he scores. Marquis Daniels is a slasher with poor shooting range.

So far, there's enough talent and semi-talent on hand for the Pacers to attain solid mediocrity. Trouble is that the big men are either severely limited (Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy) or downright klutzy (Rasho Nesterovic and Roy Hibbert).

Their best hope: That they can outdraw the local high school teams.

Milwaukee Bucks

Even though the roster has been dramatically revised, some basic problems remain.

Andrew Bogut represents the Bucks' only power, but he's much too slow when moving up, down or sideways. Charlie Villanueva is a power-puff player who's drastically miscast as a power forward. Michael Redd can (and will) shoot until his left arm cramps. Luke Ridnour is bright, athletic, but not supremely talented. Of the starters, only Richard Jefferson has a complete game.

Tyronn Lue can score in bunches coming off the bench. Malik Allen used to have a deadly jumper. Charlie Bell shoots better from out-there than he does from in-here.

In other words, the bench is weak.

Even weaker is the Bucks' team defense. Although defense is Scott Skiles' specialty and area of emphasis, no matter how much he nags, screams, rages, institutes punitive rules, threatens and/or cajoles his players, the Bucks will have trouble making stops. Unless, that is, R.J. happens to be guarding the opponents' designated scorer.

Their best hope: Avoiding a palace revolution.