INDIANAPOLIS -- Here are five observations from the Indiana Pacers' training camp:

1. Injuries are already an issue. Reggie Miller is still bothered by a sprained right ankle suffered with Team USA while preparing for last summer's World Championships. All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal is hampered by a sprained left ankle. Ron Artest is out for the preseason following surgery to his left pinky finger. And Austin Croshere is still recovering from surgery to his right foot. The good news is that many members of the Pacers' deep bench are getting a chance to get minutes because of the injuries.

	Al Harrington, back from a knee injury, is ready to resume his progress with the Pacers.

2. Keep an eye on forward Al Harrington's return. Before going down with a season-ending knee injury at Boston on Jan. 23, the 22-year-old was considered one of the NBA's best sixth men while averaging 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. In four preseason games, Harrington is averaging mild numbers of 11 points and two rebounds. The budding 6-foot-9, 250-pounder has a good chance of starting and feels he still has something to prove on the hardwood.

3. Jamaal Tinsley was one of the top rookies during the first half of last season, but during the second half, he was fatigued and recorded over 10 assists just six times. The 6-3, 195-pounder was also plagued by a knee injury in the playoffs. Along with just adjusting to numerous NBA games, Tinsley had to change the way he took care of himself off the court. He was eating more junk than healthy food, which took a toll on him. Now, Tinsley is stronger and eating better after hiring a cook.

4. If Reggie Miller and Ron Mercer stay healthy, rookie Fred Jones probably won't see much playing time this season. But in the preseason, the long-armed Jones has showed promise and what spending four years in college can do for you. His athleticism has also been dazzling and the Pacers don't regret drafting him so high (14th overall). But look for Jones to spend more time learning in preparation to take over at the two once Miller retires or departs.

5. Does Austin have any more power? After averaging over 10 points per game two consecutive years, Croshere struggled last season with a scoring clip of just 6.8 points per game. There was talk that he was in coach Isiah Thomas' doghouse. But the reality was that Croshere played himself out of the rotation and it will be rather difficult for him to play himself back into it. Missing the preseason to injury doesn't help his cause, either.

Marc J. Spears, who covers the Nuggets for the Denver Post, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com.