Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

[Jon Theodore]

Danny had an unbelievable year last year and a great year prior to that. This year he has looked terrible most of the year.

I don't have the statistic, but I am sure his FG% is terrible. He probably has the worst handles of any starting small forward in the league, it's actually embarassing to watch him dribble.

So far Dahntay Jones has been the Pacers best player this year, to me that is an undeniable fact! He is the only guy who has given his all every minute on the floor, he makes plays, he makes shots, he plays defense, he gets the team going, he is a leader! This is a guy who is basically a journeyman.

I hope that Granger is just banged up and that is why his shot isn't falling. Outside of his shooting, my biggest problem is his decision making and attitude. I do not see him getting the players excited and I do not see him consistently putting forth effort on defense. He also needs to realize he is NOT a one on one player, in fact he is probably one of the worst one on one players on our team. He is a jumpshooter with the ability to be an excellent defensive player. Unfortunately, he is acting like he is Lebron James on offense and he is just not that talented.

Obrien's system leads to inflated statistics....and I think that some of his statistical success from last season has gone to Grangers head. I think he was much better as a guy who was underrated and had something to prove. Now it almost seems like he has an "entitlement complex."

Please convince me I am wrong and that Granger is the same player I have loved watching progress to the level he is capable of playing at (last year). I have been surprised at how many people are saying Murphy needs to go (i actually agree), all the while Granger is just getting a pass.

[Pacersfan46]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

I'm in complete agreement. He does seem to carry himself differently. I don't know. His shot selection is terrible, as are his handles.

I think he gets a pass to an extent because he's injured and people can blame it on that. I see it differently though.

-- Steve --

[McKeyFan]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

I think it's a problem with the offensive scheme, or lack thereof.

In fact, you'd think Dunleavy was the coach. No movement unless Dun is on the floor.

[RandyWrinkles]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

This might have something to do with his performance...

From IndyStar.com http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...=2009912010357

Pacers forward Danny Granger knows he should probably sit out so his sprained left knee and bruised right heel can get better.

"I have to play through it," Granger said. "We have an opportunity right now where we're in the mix of things. The standings are real close. There's not really one team that's dominating too much."

[DGPR]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

I just hate to see Troy jack up 3 pointers that hit hard off the front of the rim. It's all or nothing with his shots, either they hit the front of the rim and bounce out of the arena or they go in and hit the net so hard it looks like NBA Jam when the ball catches fire and the net burns to cinders. Danny has looked rather dull the past few games also, not moving around a lot and just looking all around uninterested other than getting his numbers. I thought TJ Ford looked the most involved in the game last night which is a good thing itself, but bad when nobody else is there to help him.

I gave him a little bit of hell myself.

[bellisimo]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

This might have something to do with his performance...

From IndyStar.com http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...=2009912010357

last thing we need is another JO....

[RandyWrinkles]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

last thing we need is another JO....

I was focusing on his toughness not a long term injury lol.

[Justin Tyme]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

Obrien's system leads to inflated statistics....and I think that some of his statistical success from last season has gone to Grangers head. I think he was much better as a guy who was underrated and had something to prove. Now it almost seems like he has an "entitlement complex."

I can't disagree with you. I've said in a couple of threads in the last few days I'm disappointed in Granger and his attitude. Maybe his having been an Allstar last year has led him to a feeling of entitlement and a sour attitude. I have stated b4 his stats look like Stephen Jackson. 41% FGA, 35% 3 pt, and shooting 9 3's per game which is a little less than half the 3 ptrs being shot. I'm not giving Granger a pass whatsoever with his play this year. I'm unimpressed with Granger this season. Is this another case of I got my contract syndrome?

[d_c]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

This is another predictable thread of people who like to break their favorite toys.

Granger is the Pacers' best player and he's paid a salary that is commensurate with his impact and production.

He's an all-star. He's not an elite player, but he's not paid like one either. Don't blame him for not being able to singlehandedly make a bad team into a good one. Granger is playing hurt and giving it all. He's busting his butt out there but now he's being criticized for not being more talented than he is and for not being Magic Johnson in the leadership department.

Also don't forget that now that he's an established star, teams are going to hound him more defensively. They're going to start game planning for him more and more, if they hadn't already. This is the life a star in the league faces. You're not some fresh faced kid flying under the radar.

I also hope this makes people realize how good someone like Carmelo Anthony is, someone who people in the past said there was no way they'd trade Danny for. Carmelo has been facing scrutiny, criticism, double and triple teams and been the focus of every opposing defense from the moment he entered the league. He's gone through the meat grinder and has emerged as a perennial star. Through all this burden, scrutiny and pressure he produces year after year. He'll probably never be a real MVP candidate (his game just isn't versatile enough), but he'll be close.

So now it's Granger's turn to face the burdens that come along with being a star. He's scrutinized more by fans, media and opposing defenses. Flaws that people used to gloss over are now being magnified. As good as he is, he's being criticized for not being even better. It's the same stuff that guys like Dirk, Pierce and Carmelo have faced year after year.

[millertime90]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

as i've always stated, granger just is not cut out to be a franchise player...fans and the pacers organization need to realize this if the pacers hope to become a contender again. can he be a great #2 option? yes! but not a #1...on this board granger is rarely criticized in posts because doing so labels you as a "troll" and you get ban threats...but maybe that was just me?

[Justin Tyme]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

So now it's Granger's turn to face the burdens that come along with being a star. He's scrutinized more by fans, media and opposing defenses. Flaws that people used to gloss over are now being magnified. As good as he is, he's being criticized for not being even better. It's the same stuff that guys like Dirk, Pierce and Carmelo have faced year after year.

Not all players can handle the pressure. Lets hope Granger can and improve his game at the same time.

[gummy]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

This might have something to do with his performance...

From IndyStar.com http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...=2009912010357

Yes, I think the injuries go a long way toward explaining why Danny is not driving to the basket or playing good D. We're in for a very long season of compensating injuries if this isn't addressed right away. Probably he'll tough it out for half a season or a little more and then get put on the shelf. I think he should be forced to sit for awhile right now so we have a chance with a healthy DG down the stretch.

All that said - part of his new demeanor/attitude might be due to injuries but there's most likely more to it than that. I think he thought the team was significantly better than it has shown itself to be so far and he's letting that frustration get to him. There might also be some overinflated ego in there now that he is "All-Star Danny Granger." I don't know. But I do know that this is an area he can and should work on if he's to be a leader of any sort on this team.

He's human, he wants to win, and he's feeling the pressures of being "the man" now - I'm giving him some time to process this and figure out a better way before I throw him completely under the bus. If he seems to have the same attitude/approach a month from now...

[kester99]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

I think one factor in people's opinions here, and I know I see this in myself, is that I think the Pacers can get by with Murphy coming off the bench...maybe even better than we are...whereas I can't conceive of benching Granger. For one thing, his ....mmmm...struggles?...this season haven't reached anywhere near a Troy-like level, and for another, we would be well and genuinely hosed if he did fall off dramatically in his performance this year.

Still, he is getting criticism...for shot selection if nothing else. I know some have addressed a perceived lack of leadership, or a pouty attitude. I hope that attitude of his is frustration at the results we're getting lately, and is the kind of frustration that makes you keep trying harder and harder, rather than turn off.

Hey, every season needs a little drama, eh?

[PaceBalls]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

Danny has always gotten the fan love here. There has been alot of grumbling about his defense over the past couple years. As in he is not as aware of what is going on as he should be, I think most figured he would catch on and end up being Artest's defensive replacement. That hasn't happened. He also has always had a green light on the offense because he puts up such big numbers and who else really can?

You have to wonder how he would fare in a system where he didn't have the green light everytime he touched the ball. Or on a team where he wasn't the best player or first option, say he was on the Nuggets, or Miami, or Cleveland even Dallas. He would be under 15ppg probably.

[judicata]

Re: Why does Danny Granger get no criticism?

He's busting his butt out there but now he's being criticized for not being more talented than he is and for not being Magic Johnson in the leadership department.

People are criticizing him for poor shot selection, terrible ball handling, excessive turnovers, no movement without the ball, mediocre defense, and lack of leadership. Nothing to do with talent.