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2012-2013 was a lost season for Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger, as lingering problems with his left knee eventually required surgery in April and limited him to just five games all season. As could be expected he averaged a career-low 5.4 points per game in his limited action, but reports regarding his recovery have been positive to this point and he is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
Granger averaged at least 18.7 points per game (20 or more three times) in five straight seasons prior to last season, as he emerged as one of the top wing players in the league. But a left ankle issue limited him during the Pacers’ 2012 playoff series against the Miami Heat, and injuries may become an ongoing issue at age 30.
Granger will reportedly speak about his rehab from knee surgery at the Pacers’ media day on Friday, but I don’t think fantasy basketball owners will be able to take much from his public comments or anything anyone else in the organization says about his health. The proof of Granger’s progress, one way or the other, will come during training camp and preseason games, for what that’s worth since I think he’s unlikely to see many minutes in games that don’t count.
Granger is a risky player to draft in fantasy leagues, due to concerns over his health in general and the multiple setbacks he had with his knee last season prior to undergoing surgery. Be sure to monitor his situation during the preseason, but I think Granger carries more upside potential than most other late round picks and is worth a look for those who can stash him while he works his way back to full strength early in the season.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
