How Granger Could Be An Even Better Player

Well, as I've watched Granger progress throughout his NBA career, I've noticed somethings that I really believe would help him be a better player, and I'll lay them out here.

Shot Selection

One of the main problems I have with Granger's game is the fact that he always tries to force shots. While he is an extremely good shooter, it's very difficult to be taking a step back, dribbling, pull-up jump shot over two players, and that's what I've seen him do.

Since he has been injured, the Pacers are getting guys like Brandon Rush and Luther Head open for three, just by swinging the ball around the perimeter, and if Granger could just settle down and allow his teammates to get him open looks, rather than trying to create them on his own, he might score a lot more, and shoot much higher percentage as well.

Rebounding

For a forward his size, he really doesn't have good rebounding skills. I've noticed that he lacks boxing out ability, as well as the ability to time his jump. Maybe Troy Murphy should take him to the gym and teach him how to box out and jump at the right time? If Granger could get those rebounds, he would definitely have a much better statistical resume, but also his team would cut back on a lot of the second chance points that they are allowing.

All it takes in rebounding is one player not doing his job, and it can cost you two points. The Pacers all year haven't been worried about rebounding, and I'm pretty sure if you took a look at their second chance points, you would see that they are very over matched by most teams.

Passing

Danny also need to learn how to make plays for his teammates. He doesn't always have to be the one making his own plays, and scoring himself, why not look to become a dangerous passer, and get your teammates open for looks? I can promise you with the way teams are defending him this season, that he could force a team to double-team him, then kick the ball out to the open guy, but first he needs to learn how to make good, crisp passes.

What I've seen of Danny so far this year, is he likes to throw high, arcing passes, that are very easy for defenders to read, which usually result in steals and fast break points. I've also seen him think something was there, and maybe it was, but he makes a pass either to late, or to early and turns the ball over that way. If he could learn to pass, teams wouldn't just have to worry about his scoring, but they would also have to guard everywhere on the court to make sure he doesn't get a teammate for a wide open shot.

Those are just a few of the things that I think Granger really needs to work on. I know there are more I could list, but he's fairly decent in the other categories. In these three, he really needs to start focusing on, because if the Pacers want to make any kind of noise in the future, he needs to up his level of play.

Thoughts?

Posted by tj#5 here:

http://www.clutchtimesports.net/forums/showthread.php/1244-How-Granger-Could-Be-An-Even-Better-Player?p=10657#post10657