Grace King high school's Danny Granger is proof that drafting and player development work. Tuesday, Granger was named NBA's most improved player.
His development has been both solid and spectacular. His scoring average went from 7.5 his rookie year, 13.9 in year 2, 19.6 in year 3, and 25.8 this season. He is the only player in NBA history to improve his scoring average at least five points in three consecutive years.
Granger was the 17th pick in the 2005 NBA draft. That was the same draft the Hornets selected Chris Paul at number 4.
There are several teams that rue the day they passed on Granger. At pick 11, Orlando selected Fran Vazquez of Spain. Pick 12 was Yaroslav Kozolev to the Clippers. The 13th pick was Sean May to Charlotte. At 14, Rashad McCants went to Minnesota. Pick 15 was Antoine Wright to New Jersey. Pick 16 was Joey Graham to Toronto.
Next season, Granger's salary jumps from $2.32 million to $9.93 million. Granger has earned every penny.
And he is again proof, that the draft, and patience can pay off, for the player and his team.