Bird Envisions Granger As Second Option

[The Lone Granger]

Danny Granger had a good playoff series, but Pacers general manager Larry Bird felt he took some small steps backward this year and wants to see him step up his game.

"He's a top-30 player," Bird said. "I've always thought he could be an All-Star and he's close, but he's not there yet. I didn't think he was as committed consistently as he's been in the past. It would be really nice if he could be our second scorer.''

Bird also commented on rookie guard Lance Stephenson.

"When he's playing, he's fine and has as much talent as anybody on this team," Bird said. "He's a long shot, but he's my ace in the hole. If we can get him to grow up, he knows how to play . . .

"I know he's a pain in the ass and the guys in the locker room get frustrated with him, but I'm not giving up on him. Unless he does something crazy."

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213383/Bird_Envisions_Granger_As_Second_Option

It's very good news for Pacers fans that Bird thinks he can get someone better than Granger to be the number one scoring option. The only question is, who does he bring in to fill that role? There are some players out there both this offseason and next that could be possible, but let's get some ideas from you guys. Or could it be an internal number one scorer? Say.....Paul George? Also the quotes on Stephenson are kind of funny. He's a great talent, but does need to grow up.

Thoughts?

 

[RipCity32]

Don't see how you can view him as a #2 scorer. He is extremely gifted offensively.

 

[The Lone Granger]

Don't see how you can view him as a #2 scorer. He is extremely gifted offensively.

He's very gifted offensively, but he'd be so much better if there was that #1 guy to take some pressure off him. He puts up great numbers playing against double teams all the time, imagine if he only has to be guarded by one guy. Someone like a Jamal Crawford as a scorer would be a perfect fit for the Pacers, and I think we'll make that happen. Granger isn't someone who wants to dominate all game, but if he can just hit shots, that makes us way better.

 

[RipCity32]

If that is the case, I think they need a good #2 scorer. I think Granger needs to be built around, not building around someone with him. Granger should be the focal point of that offense.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Ehhh... I disagree. If Indiana wants to be a CHAMPIONSHIP contender, then Granger as the #2 option is perfect.

However, I have no idea who they would get to be the #1 option, so yeah...

 

[Pugz]

they wont get anyone better then him via trade unless they deal a whole lot and they wont sign anyone better then him. paul george is a great talent but hes not ready to be a number one right now.

 

[RipCity32]

Ehhh... I disagree. If Indiana wants to be a CHAMPIONSHIP contender, then Granger as the #2 option is perfect.

However, I have no idea who they would get to be the #1 option, so yeah...

Well yeah, I mean any team would benefit if they had a better scorer than a dude like Granger, and then Granger to compliment him as a #2.
But that is going to be pretty much impossible to get, so I think getting a great #2 option is their best choice.

 

[bosoxlover12]

no number 1 scorer will go to the Pacers, because they dont have the assets for one

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Well yeah, I mean any team would benefit if they had a better scorer than a dude like Granger, and then Granger to compliment him as a #2.
But that is going to be pretty much impossible to get, so I think getting a great #2 option is their best choice.

That's what I'm saying. LOL

Ideally, Granger is a #2 option on a good team or a #1 option on a average/bad team.

As for Indiana, chances are they aren't getting anyone better than Granger anytime soon.

 

[The Lone Granger]

no number 1 scorer will go to the Pacers, because they dont have the assets for one

Once again, are you kidding me. So it's $30 million that they have to spend, that's easily enough to get a great scorer like Jamal Crawford. That is the kind of player they are looking for, not someone of a "superstar" level. We just want some scorers to go along Granger, I wish you could understand that dude.

 

[bosoxlover12]

the only way they will get their players is by overpaying.

if they want to give $10 mil to a 6th man, go for it

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Once again, are you kidding me. So it's $30 million that they have to spend, that's easily enough to get a great scorer like Jamal Crawford. That is the kind of player they are looking for, not someone of a "superstar" level. We just want some scorers to go along Granger, I wish you could understand that dude.

Jamal Crawford would not be the #1 option over Granger, if that's what you mean.

 

[RipCity32]

Pacers should trade us for Gordon.
Please. lol