| What Does Winning MIP Mean For Granger? Authored by Andrew Perna - May 12, 2009 - 3:48 pm
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Winning the award has meant different things to different players. Some grabbed the hardware on the way to superstar status, while others faded back into mediocrity after receiving the honor.
Let's take a look at the Good, the Bad and the Average.
The Good Cases
Kevin Johnson, Suns (1989) – Johnson became a superstar in his sophomore season, and went on to make numerous All-Star and All-NBA teams in his twelve-year career. Some of his numbers actually increased after the 1989 campaign.
Tracy McGrady, Magic (2001) – His career as a prolific scorer began in 2001, when he averaged 26.8 points per game. He went on to lead the league in scoring twice (2003, 2004) and is still a dynamic player when injures aren't limiting him.
Jermaine O'Neal, Pacers (2002) – O'Neal burst onto the scene with 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in his second season with Indiana. He would dominate in the post for six seasons, which included six-straight All-Star appearances and a third place finish in the 2004 MVP voting.
Gilbert Arenas, Warriors (2003) – Arenas posted 18.3 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 2003, just a season after he felt he was snubbed in the 2001 NBA Draft. Aside from the 13.0 points he averaged in just two games this past year, he has yet to post less than 19.4 points since. He's a three-time All-Star, and basketball's best blogger.
The Average Cases
Alvin Robertson, Bucks (1986) – Robertson won the award in just his second NBA season, when he averaged 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game. He enjoyed similar production over the next three seasons, before declining steadily and retiring in 1996. He won the Defensive Player of the Year the same year he won the MIP, and was named to four All-Star teams.
Kevin Duckworth, Blazers (1988) – The late Duckworth won the award in his second season, posting 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds for Portland. In a growing theme, Duckworth would produce at that level for three more seasons prior to a decline.
Rony Seikaly, Heat (1990) – Seikaly averaged a double-double for four straight seasons in his career, beginning in 1990. He went on to marry Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Elsa Benitez, which is a feat that shouldn't go unrecognized.
The Bad Cases
Pervis Ellison, Bullets (1992) – Ellison exploded to average 20.0 points and 11.2 rebounds for Washington during the 1991-92 season, but did little else in his career. His numbers dropped to 17.4 points and 8.8 boards the next season, and he became a bench player for the Celtics soon after.
Dana Barros, 76ers (1995) – He excelled in Philadelphia during the 1995-96 season, scoring 20.6 points and dishing 7.5 assists while taking home the award. He would only average double figures in points twice more, and would never shoot close to the same (49.0%) again.
Gheorghe Muresan, Bullets (1996) – He won the award after posting 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds for Washington, but he would only play in parts of three more NBA seasons. The year after he took home the hardware, he averaged just 10.6 points and 6.6 rebounds. But who can forget this; "Do you want to smell like me?"
In addition to winning the award, Granger accomplished a feat that no other player has in NBA history. He has raised his scoring average by five points in three consecutive seasons, from 7.5 points in his rookie year to 25.8 this season.
If he stretches the mark to a fourth season, he'll see his name in MVP talk this time next year. Nevertheless, the humble Granger was surprised by the honor.
"I'm honored, flattered and surprised," said Granger in a statement released by the team. "This is, above anything else, a team award and a franchise award because it is another indication the Indiana Pacers are moving in the right direction."
Granger averaged career highs in points, assists, blocks, minutes, three-point percentage, free throw percentage and field goal attempts in 2008-09.
Even more promising than the honor, were some of the forward's comments upon hearing of his selection. Roughly a month after his season ended without a postseason appearance for the third straight year, ending that drought is still fresh on his mind.
"This franchise has been through a lot so this is rewarding for everyone involved. The individual recognition is humbling, but team success means more to me than anything else and I will work as hard as I ever have to improve and get the Indiana Pacers back to the playoffs where they belong," he added.
At this point, Granger looks much more like a KJ, T-Mac, J.O. or Agent Zero than a Pervis, Barros or Muresan.
I'm not a betting man, and a lot can change in a short period of time, but I'd be willing to bet that in the years to come Danny's name will be among the good cases.
Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM’s Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
