In the previous post, Alvin mentioned that Nels from Give Me The Rock nabbed Luol Deng with the 41st pick overall - a bit earlier than he was taken in the Dropping Dimes Mock Blog.  In the fourth round, Nels came back around and nabbed another forward in Kevin Durant showing us all that centers are obviously overrated.  How did he respond with the 13th pick in the fifth round?  You guessed it…another forward with the 69th selection overall.  Not too far off from where the fellas over here at Dropping Dimes had the same guy pegged with this selection…

Round 6, Pick 4: Danny Granger, SF/PF, Indiana Pacers

Granger could possibly be one of the most underrated players in the NBA today.  The average fan would likely not even know who he was, let alone the position, team and potential.  Thankfully for Granger, the Pacers know that they have a tremendously talented swingman as they have picked up his option to keep him on board through the 2009 season. 

In what was only his second season in the leagues, Granger produced solid across the board numbers including a huge boost in his three-point shooting as well as his scoring. 

In only 22 minutes per contest in 2005-06, Granger produced the following: 7.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.2 ast, 0.4 3PM, 0.7 stl, 0.8 blk, 46.3% FG, 77.7% FT
Fast forward to 2006-07, and Granger not only improved, but he demolished the scoring category: 13.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.3 3PM, 0.8 stl, 0.7 blk, 45.9% FG, 80.3% FT

It’s obvious that Granger became more comfortable with the pace of the NBA game opposed to his play at New Mexico.  In only 12 minutes more a game, Granger was able to nearly double his shot attempts, and nearly tripled his three-point attempts, cashing in on almost 40% of his tries.  While he was only able to get to the line four times a night, his improved conversion rate did nothing but help his team as well as fantasy owners.

What to expect this season?

I may just sound like a big Granger fan when I say this, but the only thing stopping the third-year forward from achieving his maximum potential is Jermaine O’Neal.  Thankfully, O’Neal is also owned on this squad making Granger almost a handcuff of sorts - except this one gets to play even when JON is healthy. 

Granger has shown that he is no stranger to the big game, as seen by his frequent scoring totals in the 20s towards the end of the 2006-07 season.  If it’s the hustle stats that you desire, realize that the third-year forward is only a hair away from being a member of the coveted 1-1-1 club, averaging at least one steal, block and three-pointer for the season.

While Jermaine O’Neal owners already realize that they have an oft-injured player on their roster, bundling him with Granger will not only allow for one of the more versatile players in the game to do his thing for your team, but allow you to finally experience the upside if O’Neal is forced to miss a game.

Other Players on this Fantasy Team:
1.9 Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat
2.4. Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers
3.9 Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers
4.4 Jason Richardson, SG/SG, Golden State Warriors
5.9 LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C, Portland Trailblazers

Previous Picks this Round
6.1. Jason Terry, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks
6.2 David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets
6.3 Luol Deng, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls

Previous Round Selections
Round One Recap
Round Two Recap
Round Three Recap
Round Four Recap
Round Five Recap