Jeff Van Gundy, Two Scouts Dissect Miami Heat’s New Arrivals

Sep 26, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Danny Granger (22) poses during photo day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Granger:

"Swingman Danny Granger, who hit four threes in Wednesday’s scrimmage: First scout: “Can’t create his own shot like he used to. He’s near the end, not the same player he was, but I think he has something left. He’s still a good catch-and-shoot guy. His ability to rebound and play defense have dropped off quite a bit. He will be a good guy in their locker room, a real mature veteran.”… Van Gundy: Even at his best, “he wasn’t great in any one area but good at a lot of things. And he gives them size on the wing.”"

When the Heat signed Granger, even before LeBron had made his decision, I was a fan of the move. Granger was once an all-star caliber player and the face of the Indiana Pacers franchise. Just three seasons ago, Granger was apart of the major road block the Pacers provided the Heat in getting into the finals when Chris Bosh went down.

Granger wasn’t an all-star player for being good at one thing, in fact he’s probably above average at a few things, including his defense, three point shooting, and rebounding.

Two years later, Granger has gone through knee procedures and at 31 isn’t the same player he used to be. The Heat don’t need Granger to be an all-star, what they need from him is to replace Ray Allen‘s production. If he can become that good catch and shoot guy the first scout speaks to, the Heat will be more than happy with the production he can provide next season.

If Granger can find more than being a catch and shoot guy, the Heat will be counting their blessings, but that’s unlikely for a guy that cannot create his own shot anymore.