Danny Granger urges Indiana Pacers to pick a power forward in free agency – NBA Report
In a recent interview, Indiana Pacers small forward Danny Granger talked candidly about the future of his team and urged the front office to get hold of a power forward in the free agency, whenever that takes place.
Granger, who stands 6-foot-8 and averaged around 20 points a game last season, is one of Indiana’s better players. The Pacers have a good young core set in the side which helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in 4 years.
However it is no secret that team needs to strengthen if they are to really contend for the NBA World Championship and Granger singled out power forward, a position he sometimes played last season, for need of instant improvement.
“I think with what’s on the market at power forward, we have the opportunity to go get one of them. David West, Nene and Carl Landry are available. There are some good power forwards out there. I think we need to be deeper at that
position.” The small forward said.
The Pacers currently have Josh McRoberts and Tyler Hansbrough as the two players vying for the power forward spot. Analysis of last season showed that the pair performed pretty well at the position and gave the Pacers room for
little complaint. However it is also true that the likes of David West, who spent last season with the New Orleans Hornets, and Nene Hilario, who has been with the Denver Nuggets throughout his time in the NBA, would be valuable upgrades.
The fact is that Indiana have plenty of salary cap room, they have only $35 million committed for next season, to attract these players. Moreover, getting hold of free agents is the best way for Indiana to strengthen as trading
one of the guys that helped them get back to the playoffs could be counterproductive.
If the Pacers can get someone like David West or Nene, not so much Carl Landry, they would then also be in a strong position with regards to trading or signing more free agents. More players would want to come to Indiana if they
see the club is heading in the right direction and with, say West, on board, the Pacers can use either McRoberts or Tyler in a trade to strengthen other areas.
All in all, the future does seem bright for the Pacers. Larry Bird has agreed to continue as the President of Basketball Operations for at least another year and the former Celtic legend is sure to make some smart moves once the
NBA lockout is over and the teams are allowed to make trades and/or sign free agents.
If he can deliver in his last season with the franchise, he will leave Indiana with a very strong team indeed.
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