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02-07-2006, 02:47 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Forward Thinking
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Long Beach, CA
Age: 29
Posts: 1,236
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Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
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Q. Recently, Danny Granger has been playing pretty well. Will Granger be able to be as big a superstar as Jermaine O'Neal when he matures, contributing night-in and night-out to the team? (From Gerald in Singapore)
A. My initial reaction to that question was to think, "of course not," because O'Neal is a five-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection, a player near the top of the list whenever the discussion of the game's top big men arises, and the current face of the franchise. Granger is a rookie who will need time to fully exploit his talents, not to mention a completely different type of player.
And then I stepped back, thought through the question, and tried to put this into a different perspective. Granger has enormous talent. When many rookies are running into the wall during their first season, he's coming into his own, averaging 14.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in the last five games. He's playing two distinctly different positions, power forward and small forward, growing comfortable at both. And he's adding elements to his game through the course of the season, showing much more confidence in both his mid-range and 3-point shooting. Defensively, he has stopper skills but needs to build experience and the corresponding savvy.
So, from a talent standpoint, there really isn't anything he lacks, there's no glaring hole in his game that will have to be filled before he can advance to the next level. It's more a matter of refinement, enhancement and polish. From an intangible standpoint, he seems to have the drive to succeed that marks players destined for stardom. He understands both where he has come from and where he'd like to go. Though he is a very personable sort off the court, he plays with an edge, an intense focus that is necessary to achieve.
Upon reflection, then, it's only reasonable to leave the door open to the possibility Granger could become a star of comparable status. But the canyon between potential and fulfillment swallows many a career. Few walk the tightrope from one side to the other. Those that do understand the journey requires more than talent. It requires balance. Granger has just taken the first few steps but it appears he's on sound footing.
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Even Conrad Brunner agrees that this could be the best "Gift" that Donnie has given us in a long time. Call a doctor... the kid is sick!
__________________
"His position is probably on the floor, playing basketball." - Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle on newly-acquired Pacers G/F Marquis Daniels
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02-07-2006, 02:51 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Lover Not A Fighter...
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Silk City, Jersey...
Age: 28
Posts: 5,807
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
 ...
Go PaCeRs!!! |
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02-07-2006, 03:28 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Forward Thinking
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Long Beach, CA
Age: 29
Posts: 1,236
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
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Originally Posted by PaCeRhOLiC
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Go PaCeRs!!! |
... right back at ya.
__________________
"His position is probably on the floor, playing basketball." - Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle on newly-acquired Pacers G/F Marquis Daniels
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02-08-2006, 04:29 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Finland Favorite Players: Danny Granger, Jermaine O'neal, Gilbert Arenas,Caron Butler, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson,
Age: 20
Posts: 1,164
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
He will be better than Ronny... Leader like JO.. but the question is WHEN?
If he continues to improve his game as fast as he has done in recent weeks, We don't have to wait long.
__________________
The Official Joe Johnson Fan Club:
1)Jermaniac Fan; 2)Dissonance19; 3)Zuca 4)Knick_Killer31; 5)you?
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02-08-2006, 10:50 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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BasketballBoards Player
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Seymour, IN
Age: 26
Posts: 993
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
I definately believe Danny could reach O'Neal status... heck... I have a feeling this kid could reach Reggie status here in Indy... maybe even surpass it... by bringing us a 'ship...
I cannot wait for the day that Danny is in his prime!.. He will be the most complete player I've ever seen... and I know this because he's almost there already 
This kid will fine tune his game... and blow us all away some day... You guys talk like the idea of him being our "Gift" is new... I believe I said something to this effect when I wrote an article on here during pre-season... I believe I put it as "redemption" though  ... at that point I had stated it was redemption for the brawl... now I know it was just plain for the black cloud of Artest that had loomed over Indy for 2 1/2 years... |
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02-08-2006, 10:55 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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Lover Not A Fighter...
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Silk City, Jersey...
Age: 28
Posts: 5,807
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
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02-08-2006, 10:57 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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BasketballBoards Player
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Seymour, IN
Age: 26
Posts: 993
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
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Originally Posted by PaCeRhOLiC
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Thank you Pacerhol... you are always so supportive of my posts... makes me feel good
- Always
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02-08-2006, 11:01 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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Lover Not A Fighter...
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Silk City, Jersey...
Age: 28
Posts: 5,807
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
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Originally Posted by jermaine7fan
Thank you Pacerhol... you are always so supportive of my posts... makes me feel good |
That's cause you're much appreciated here in Pacer land.... ....
Go PaCeRs!!!
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02-08-2006, 11:04 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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BasketballBoards Player
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Seymour, IN
Age: 26
Posts: 993
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Re: Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
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Originally Posted by PaCeRhOLiC
That's cause you're much appreciated here in Pacer land.... ....
Go PaCeRs!!! |
Thanks... good to know I'm wanted somewhere...
besides Mexico  
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02-08-2006, 12:49 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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I piss excellence
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: ****ty new hampshire
Posts: 6,674
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Could Granger Achieve O'Neal-Like Star Status?
