Danny Granger and the NBA's Biggest Underachievers
It's hard to make much sense of Danny Granger's career so far.
He seemed to be reaching his prime just four years into his life as the Indiana Pacers' young star, averaging over 25 points a game and showing off the steady improvement he'd made from one season to the next.
But after a second strong season in 2009-10, his scoring, shooting efficiency and shot attempts have all declined considerably.
Yes, the Pacers are a deeper team now, and that's forced Granger into a more complementary role—but there's still something missing, evidenced most aptly by the fact he's shot under 43 percent from the field in each of his last three seasons.
Granger's become a one-dimensional perimeter shooter, either unable or unwilling to regularly take the ball into the paint. He can still be a dangerous scorer at times, but he'll need to diversify his approach to regain the form that made him an All-Star.
As odd as Granger's young career may be, he's not alone.
Here are a few other world-class talents who aren't quite living up to expectations.
Amar'e Stoudemire–PF, New York Knicks
Stoudemire still has his moments, and he was fantastic for the Knicks last season when he averaged over 25 points a game and looked nearly as good as he'd ever looked in Phoenix.
A lot can change in a year, though.
The 29-year-old power forward looks to be losing some of the explosiveness that made him so lethal, and he's struggled mightily to find a workable chemistry with Carmelo Anthony.
There's still time for Stoudemire to turn some things around, but he may never again play like he did a season ago.
Joe Johnson–SG, Atlanta Hawks
When a guy like Joe Johnson gets paid more than $20 million a year, he's almost a lock to be labeled an underachiever. Just ask Rashard Lewis.
But, Johnson has earned the status pretty justifiably. He has neither age nor injury to blame for his decline—a downward spiral culminating in his 37 percent shooting against the Boston Celtics in the first round.
His production has withered across the board over his last five seasons, and yet he's only 30 years old.
While losing a step may be partially to blame for his ineffectiveness, it simply seems more often than not, as though the drive just isn't there anymore.
Carlos Boozer–PF, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls signed Boozer to become the ostensible second-option to Derrick Rose, but things haven't exactly gone according to plan. Down two games to three against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, Boozer went 1-11 from the field for just three points.
While he hasn't been that bad the vast majority of the time, he also hasn't been what he was cracked up to be.
Boozer's minutes and production have taken a nosedive since he signed with Chicago. The former double-double machine averaged just 15 points and 8.5 rebounds in 29.5 minutes of play this season, leaving Luol Deng to shoulder more of the Bulls' scoring burden.
O.J. Mayo–SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Mayo got off to a hot start in the NBA averaging over 18 points as a rookie, but his role with the Grizzlies has seen a marked decline in his third and fourth seasons.
His disappearance was never greater than in this year's first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers—Mayo was a non-factor in the series, failing to top six points in his last five games of the series.
At 24, Mayo is still young and capable of being an electric scorer. A more prominent role would help him regain the consistency that made him so promising.
J.R. Smith–SG, New York Knicks
There aren't many guys who can fill it up like J.R. Smith on a good day, but he just doesn't have that many good days.
He shot just under 41 percent during the regular season and an abysmal 32 percent in New York's first-round series against the Miami Heat.
Smith is still only 26, but after eight seasons in the NBA, he's yet to be more than a somewhat decent sixth man.
He's prone to sloppy play, poor decisions and needless fouls—a dangerous combination for even the most talented athlete.
