Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers.

Where’s the love for the pride of Indiana Pacers’ Basketball? That pride being all wrapped up in Danny Granger.  The former University Of New Mexico star has been tearing up the courts for the last couple of years but it seems as if his efforts have gone unnoticed.  He’s a true baller and he deserves more recognition.   So far, he’s been the second best small forward in the east statistically.  His scoring average of 25.4 points a game is good for eighth in the league.   Last year, Granger was 5th in the league in scoring (25.8 points per game).  Currently, Granger is one of only four small forwards listed in the top 10 in scoring average (They are Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Danny Granger; in that order) and at only 26 years old, his best years are still ahead of him.

Granger going up for the slam.

I’m campaigning for Danny Granger to make the 2009-2010 NBA All Star team.   He won’t be an All Star based on fan votes (because nobody watches or cares about the Pacers), but the coaches should vote him in as a reserve.   The Pacers are not a good team but somehow Granger has them playing above five hundred ball (The Pacers are 5-4) including a win over the Boston Celtics in which Granger scored 29 points.

Granger gets better every year and he won the Most Improved Player Award last year after going from a 2007-2008 season average of 19.6 points a game to a 2008-2009 season average of 25.8 points a game.   This year, Granger is posting career highs in rebounds (about 7 a game) and steals (about 2 a game).

If you need more proof that Danny Granger is the man, don’t take my word for it, see for yourself.

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder.

Kevin Durant has what could be the highest ceiling of any NBA player right now.  With his length and athleticism, Durant has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.  At 6 foot 9, 230 pounds, and only 21 years of age, Durant continues to get better each year.  In just his third year in the NBA, Durant is the second best small forward in the Western Conference and is arguable the third or fourth best small forward in the league period.  I expect him to be an All-Star this year.

Durant is a very versatile ball player.  He shoots the ball well (although he is struggling with his three point shot this season.  He’s only making 22% or his threes this season compared to 42% last season.), he can attack the basket, he handles the ball extremely well for his size, he can pass, he can rebound, he can hit free throws, and his defense is getting better.  With his size and skill set, he should be a potential triple-double threat each night, but he needs to get stronger.  He needs to develop that killer instinct that Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade possess.  Durant also needs to improve his defense.

Kevin Durant showing the hops.

Not only has Durant improved skill wise, he has also improved as a leader.  I cannot remember the article or who wrote it, but someone suggested that Durant makes his team worse by him hindering the development of his teammates.  Durant didn’t take this criticism well at all.  He responded and pointed out that he is the best player on the team and he is the team leader (not in those words).

I agree with Durant.  He is the best player on the team.  I don’t know what type of leader Durant is, but he does lead.  I don’t know if he is a vocal leader or not, but I know that he leads by example.  He brings it every night.  He gives his team a chance to win and he continues to get better.  He works hard on his game which is evident by is yearly improvements.  Durant is averaging 28.1 points (best of his career), 2.4 assists, and 7.4 rebounds (best of his career) a game and he is averaging 40.7 minutes a game (highest minute per game average of his career).  His team is only 5-5 right now, but they will improve.

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Carmelo For MVP

When talking about the top players from the 2003 NBA Draft, Carmelo Anthony’s name seems to get lost among the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.  Why?  He is just as talented and has not missed the playoffs since he’s been in the league (a distinction that James, Wade, and Bosh do not have).  I’m a Pistons fan and I cannot believe that Dumars passed on him.  Carmelo has received the short end of the stick because of his image.  Whether it’s being arrested for drunk driving, brawling with New York Knicks, or supporting witness intimidation, Carmelo is no stranger to negative press.  But, at this time let’s focus on basketball.

Melo scores in a variety of ways

After only three games, Carmelo is my stand out for MVP.  As Jay-Z says, “Men lie, Women lie, Numbers don’t”.  Melo is a beast; he is currently leading the league in scoring with 37.7 points per game.  He is shooting 53.6% from the field and 42.9% from three.  Both are career highs.  He is dominating games and so far he cannot be contained.  He is getting his shots in a variety of ways.  Melo’s mid-range jumper is on, he’s taking the rock to the hole, he’s shooting threes, and he’s getting to the line.  Melo also has got his all around game going for him.  He averaging 7 rebounds a game which is his highest rebound output since the 07-08 season when he grabbed 7.4 boards a game.  His assist average of 4.3 per game is his career best.  He also put together back to back 40 point games against Portland and Memphis respectively and has led his team to a perfect record.   I know it’s early yet, but I don’t see him slowing down.

Carmelo Dunking

I attribute his fast start to his off season training regimen.  Carmelo worked with his trainer Idan Ravin.  Melo is in the best shape of his career.  He looks leaner and noticeably faster out on the court.  His shooting accuracy is superb (look for that jab step jumper) and he is grabbing boards (which is very important to his team).  Most folks had LeBron or Kobe for MVP and I cannot blame them.  At the beginning of the year I had Kobe.  All I’m saying is that Carmelo Anthony needs to be in the conversation.  Don’t count him out.

Carmelo Dunks on Paul Millsap.  Wow!

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