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Danny Granger played 544 regular-season games for the Indiana Pacers and on Wednesday afternoon he will play his first game at the Fieldhouse against the Pacers, now draining threes for the Miami Heat.
Honestly, it seems like more than a year since Granger was traded away after compounding knee issue diminished his effectiveness and kept him off the floor enough that Larry Bird decided to trade him last February to fortify a championship run. In real time, that was only 10 months ago, but with several years' worth of drama surrounding the Pacers in that time frame it seems like Danny's return to the Fieldhouse this afternoon will be like welcoming back a long-lost friend from a different era.
Fortunately, Granger returns as a player for the Heat, as in a player actually performing well of late. After being in and out (mostly out) of the lineup over the first 25 games while dealing with more leg issues including a hamstring of late, Danny has played in the last five games, making 12 of 21 three-pointers. In Miami's last two games, Granger scored a combined 39 points, making 14 of 20 shots, including 8 of 12 from behind the arc. At this stage in his career, this type of offense is what Granger has to offer and he is primed and ready (at least, as ready as he can be) to return to the Fieldhouse where he spent the bulk of his first nine NBA seasons.
Everything comes to an end and rarely in storybook fashion. That was the case with Granger's career in Indiana, so it will be nice for the Pacers' faithful to be able to show their appreciation for what Granger gave to the franchise.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Heat | Indiana Pacers
Chris Copeland shows flair, then fizzles. Again.
Charting How the Pacers Play with Each Player on the Floor - 8 Points, 9 Seconds
The Fourth-Annual Luke Walton All-Stars " Grantland
Danny Granger starting to find his role with Miami Heat | FOX Sports
New outlook for Danny Granger in Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers - Sun Sentinel
Start of something big for Danny Granger? He says yes | Heat Zone