Danny Granger has admitted that he was happy to return to action for the Indiana Pacers in their pre-season loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

The New Mexico graduate played only five games last season due to knee problems and he accepts that he was not at his best during his 29-minute appearance in the 82-76 defeat.

"It was a good first step," Granger told reporters. "My second wind didn't kick in during the first half like it usually does, but it was good to get that under my belt."

Pacers head coach Frank Vogel was also quick to acknowledge that Granger was well short of his best form.

"He was a little rusty, and I wouldn't expect anything but that," Vogel said shortly after the game. "His game condition is in the final part of his recovery."

Granger has spent his entire eight-year NBA career in Indiana.