What Will They Do? (#1 - Stephen Graham)

[count55]

This is going to be the first in our series of projections and discussions about all of our players this year. Essentially, we'll go through all 15 Pacers (I'm excluding Droopy) and talk about our expectations. Each poster will cut and paste form below and fill it out, adding their reasoning at the bottom. The reasoning is the most important, as it will help the conversation.

The first five guys will go up today, and they will be the fringe players. Then will come the rotational players, then we'll get to our key players. If you're looking to do a little research on the guys, I'd suggest BBR as the best statistical site.

So, here we start with:

Stephen Graham

Games Played:
Games Lost To Injury:
DNP-CD's:
Minutes per Game:
Points per Game:
Rebounds per Game:
Assists per Game:
FG%:
3FG%:
FT%:
Other Key Stats (can be Steals, Blocks, TO's, A/TO ratio, etc.)

Reasoning/Synopsis: Describe why you think this player will provide these numbers. What will his role be? What's his best-case? What's his worst-case?

Lets get started.

[mizzoupacers]

Games Played: 40
Games Lost To Injury: 0
DNP-CD's: 42
Minutes per Game: 8
Points per Game: 4
Rebounds per Game: 2
Assists per Game: 1
FG%: 47%
3FG%: 33%
FT%: 75%
Other Key Stats (can be Steals, Blocks, TO's, A/TO ratio, etc.) None

I can't see Graham getting many minutes on a team with perhaps six other viable options at the wings (counting Jack as a combo guard, and assuming Williams is still included).

BUT...by all accounts he is a hard worker/good character guy, and who knows, that just might pay off for him. Also, there is still I think an opening for a perimeter defensive stopper...if Rush for some reason can't claim that role, then Graham might be next in line for it.

[count55]

Games Played: 30
Games Lost To Injury: 0
DNP-CD's: 52
Minutes per Game: 6
Points per Game: 5
Rebounds per Game: 2
Assists per Game: <1
FG%: 48%
3FG%: 30%
FT%: 75%
Other Key Stats: None of any import

Stephen Graham appears to be a good guy with some skills who, unfortunately, plays the deepest position on the team: Wing. With Granger and Dunleavy locking up 75% of the PT there, Brandon Rush (hopefully) grabbing the lion's share of the rest, Stephen is left to battle with Marquis Daniels and Shawne Williams for table scraps. It won't help that Jarrett Jack will likely see some time at the 2 as well.

Stephen's best case scenario is that he claws his way into 15 minutes or so a night at the 2. That's probably a bad thing for the Pacers, though, as it likely means that either Rush is failing, or that we have significant injuries among Rush, Granger, and Dunleavy. Worst case scenario is that he wears a suit to a lot of games, is dealt as cap filler, or is cut before the season to get the roster down to 15.

[Orlock78]

Games Played: 62
Games Lost To Injury: 3
DNP-CD's: 17
Minutes per Game: 14
Points per Game: 10.6
Rebounds per Game: 3
Assists per Game: 1
FG%: 52%
3FG%: 40%
FT%: 78%

I'm going to be optimistic here and say that Stephen impresses the coaches and earns more minutes this year. I don't think they will be able to justify not letting him play more. He seems mature with good charcter and great shooting percentages. On this team I think that means more minutes. I would venture to say he gets more minutes than Shawne Williams, at least initially. So thats my guess.

[NashvilleKat]

I agree with the others regarding Graham's character and team chemistry. On a team where they are trying to upgrade fan perceptions and PR, I would think Graham would be a favorite...fans like to see the underdog do well. And he has a phenominal shooting percentage....he can score, he's tough, aggressive, and will whatever it takes to win....things our fans "love" in players. If he keeps his scorfding % high, how could you keep him on the bench with DNP game after game.

[Wizop]

lead cheers. might do more if Shawne is traded. he outplayed him often last year.

[freeman]

Games Played: 35
Games Lost To Injury: 0
DNP-CD's: 47
Minutes per Game: 8
Points per Game: 5.0
Rebounds per Game: 1.5
Assists per Game: 0.5
FG%: 52%
3FG%: 25%
FT%: 85%
Steals per Game: 0.2
Blocks per Game: 0.1

Numbers should go up IF Shawne gets traded. I think a dramatic turnaround is unlikely. But he'll still be the reliable, serviceable player as he is. One thing i like about this guy is that he shoots very effectively. I mean, give him more playing time and the green light to score and he'll produce.

[count55]

revised after I spun together the team projections

Games Played: 30
Games Lost To Injury: 0
DNP-CD's: 52
Minutes per Game: 3.9
Points per Game: 4.1
Rebounds per Game: 0.6
Assists per Game: 0.9
FG%: 40%
3FG%: 33%
FT%: 80%
Other Key Stats: None of any import