Sports Equipment

Dec 03

Can Danny Granger Lead the Indiana Pacers to the Playoffs?

Published by Lane Droubbs at 7:04 pm under Basketball

The Indiana Pacers season did not live up their standards in 08′-09′ winning only 36 games. This is not how most remember the Pacers, but the Miller days are over.

With Reggie Miller now gone the state of Indiana looks to Danny Granger to help create a perennial playoff team, once again like in the’90’s.

The Pacers defense was one of the worst in the NBA giving up more then 106 points per game for 26th in the NBA.

Granger was a one man show in Indiana, single handedly responsible for many of the team’s 36 wins. His 25.8 points per game were the fifth highest in the NBA, and he was one of the only players in the league to average over one block and one steal per game.

Guard T.J. Ford had one of his best seasons to date with scoring 15 points per game and 5 assists. If the Pacers ever expect to compete in the same division as the Cleveland Cavaliers, their defense must improve and improve fast.

The Pacers will have to improve on their 36 win season if they expect to make the playoffs. The Pacers did draft A.J. Price and Tyler Hansbrough – what playing time they will see should probably be limited in the beginning of the season but increase as the season moves forward. Unless you are an outstanding rookie, rookies see little action their first season.

The Pacers lack a scoring big man. Mike Dunleavy averaged 15 points per game but at 6-9 he isn’t a true center but more a forward. Roy Hibbert should have a better year then he did in 08′-09′, as a rookie Hibbert averaged 7 points per game. If Hibbert can develop a more refined inside game he should be a force because at 7-2 he is one of the tallest players in the NBA.

The Pacers should win more then 36 games this upcoming season. The Pacers have a chance at the 8th or 7th seed even if everyone plays up to their potential and the defense improves. Granger should have an all-star season and be among the leaders in scoring once again.

For more on the Pacers, check out the Pacers forum at RootZoo Sports. Be sure to play their free sports trivia with over 60,000 questions.

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