If the crown fits, then wear it.
Well, the bad news is in. Indiana Pacer All-Star SF Danny Granger is out for 3 months with patellar tendinosis in his left knee. The loss of their outspoken leader of the 2011-2012 Playoff Pacers is going to hurt an already struggling Pacers squad.
The Pacers forward, with a career average 18.2ppg, is going to be a huge blow for the Pacers chances of returning to their glorious playoff form. Averaging nearly 20 turnovers a game, the Pacers need to not only clean up their game, but need all the help they can get to put points on the board. They are currently 25th in the league in scoring (91ppg.)
Granger is out for the next 3 months.
Although a heavy load of blame needs to be placed on team play: the turnovers and the lack of passing (they are 28th in the league in assists) the Pacers have yet to have a player step up and lead the team. Last year, Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert took charge, but with Granger out, and Hibbert playing extremely poor thus far, it's time for a certain 6'9" SG to put his crown on and establish himself. I'm of course referring to one of Paul's and my favorite players: Paul George.
At the moment, Geore is averaging 14pts, 10.5reb, and 4ast. Those are definite improvements for the 3rd year player from Fresno. I think the Prince can make an even large leap in productivity. With Granger out, he has every opportunity to take the team by the reigns.
It isn't crazy to think George can bump his ppg over 21 and continue to rebound and distribute the ball effectively. George has all the physical tools to be a LeBron James-esque player. George is a defensive-minded player with an exceptional outside game and fully capable of ruling the paint with highlight dunks.
I'm not saying he can be a King like James, but I don't think its absurd to think he can be a Prince. His time to shine as a franchise cornerstone is coming. I think its now.
Did you mean that he could increase to 21 ppg this season?
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