The Pacers know it's going to take a team effort if they expect to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

That's why they're in no rush to anoint a new leader to replace Jermaine O'Neal, who was traded to Toronto during the offseason.

"This is not something you just throw around lightly," swingman Mike Dunleavy said. "Quite frankly, I think it's a personal issue amongst the team and we'll work it out as the season goes along. I don't think it's something (where) you anoint somebody or somebody comes out and says they're a leader. There's a lot of ways to get leadership. We'll work it out."

Coach Jim O'Brien singled out Dunleavy and Granger as potential leaders.

"I think they need to reach another level from a leadership standpoint," O'Brien said. "They're going to score a lot of points just because they know what we're trying to accomplish, because they're talented offensive players, but it still comes down to (finding out if) they can be talented offensive players on a playoff team or they can be talented offensive players on a mediocre team."

One thing team president Larry Bird wants to make clear is that egos can't be involved.

"It can't be about you. It has to be about the team," Bird said. "Whoever it is, they will follow because they've been needing it for a long time... There are a few guys down there that other guys will gravitate to."