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INDIANA PACERS 2007-2008 SEASON ANALYSIS
The Indiana Pacers haven’t seen a good friend of theirs for a LONG TIME. On-the-rise star, small forward Danny Granger, and solid performer, Mike Dunleavy Jr., have done everything in their power to get ahold of this old pal. They have dialed long distance over and over again, but instead of becoming reacquainted with “Sir Victory”, Indiana has CONSTANTLY BEEN REDIRECTED TO “DOCTOR DEFEAT”. It is a crying shame because the residents of the basketball capitol of the world, Indiana, deserve so much more. The fans had become so acclimated to stirring their beloved franchise to winning season after winning season. Now, the fans at Conseco Fieldhouse have cleared out the Pacer’s arena faster than a pool full of children empties following the notorious lifeguard announcement, “Someone dropped one in the water; everyone get out!” The Pacers’ role players were forced to step up after losing All Star Forward-Center Jermaine O’Neal to a debilitating knee injury for two months. Simply put, Indiana has the desire to return to the playoffs, but they lack the necessary talent level to fulfill their goal (especially without O’Neal in the lineup). They have won a borderline pathetic 36 games all year. INDIANA PACERS -- TOP 3 PLAYERS1. Jermaine O’Neal — 13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.1 bpg, 28.7 mpg
Before his semi-serious knee injury, Jermaine O’Neal ranked as one of the top big men in the Eastern Conference every year. His game compared favorably to a less athletic, not as spirited Kevin Garnett. After sitting out two months because of injury, O’Neal is finally back on the court for the Indiana Pacers. Hopefully, he will be able to hop back on the horse next season, bring about a revival in Indiana, and reestablish himself as an All Star level player.
2. Danny Granger – 19.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 1 bpg, 40.4% (3p%), 85.2% (FT%)
If there is a bright spot to the Indiana Pacers’ forgettable season, it is the vast improvement of Danny Granger. He has progressed in nearly every main statistical category from last season: 1) points per game (ppg)--13.9 to 19.6 2) rebounds per game (rpg)—4.6 to 6.1 3) assists per game (apg)—1.4 to 2.1 4) steals per game (spg)—0.8 to 1.2 5) blocks per game (bpg)—0.7 to 1 6) freethrow percentage (FT%)—80.3% to 85.2% 7) 3-point percentage (3p%)—38.2% to 40.4%
3. Mike Dunleavy Jr.– 19.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1 spg, 42.4% (3p%), 47.6% (FG%), 83.4% (FT%), 36 mpg
“With the third pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select Mike Dunleavy Jr. from Duke University,” exclaimed League commissioner David Stern approximately six years ago. The pressure hit Dunleavy Jr. like a left hook from Ali and left him wondering if he really deserved to be chosen as a top three draft pick. He lost confidence and his game suffered as a direct result. Eventually, the Warriors gave up on the once highly esteemed prospect and traded him to the Indiana Pacers. Soon thereafter, Dunleavy Jr.’s career pulled a Billy Graham and was born again! Yes, Pacer fans, praise the Lord indeed!
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