Random NBA Observations: Danny Granger, Jeff Van Gundy, Greg Oden and More

I've watched all or parts of seven games in the first two days and have a handful of earth-shattering observations to share about this young NBA season (Yes, that's good pals Billynho and Greg Oden pictured above... and yes, that is Argyle):

- Danny Granger is a poor man's Kobe Bryant, and that's a good thing. His development has been rapid and stunning. He's a better shooter from the outside than Kobe and just as good driving to the hoop. Defenders don't know whether to respect his quickness, which allows him to get off mid-range shots, or guard him close, enabling Granger to get to the hoop. He is markedly better than last season; I expect him to average somewhere in the range of 26 points. What Kobe can do that he can't is make off-balance mid-range jumpers with hands in his face, finish acrobatically at the hoop, and post guys up 14 feet from the hoop for easy turnaround jumpers. Still, Granger gives you a lot for someone drafted 17th overall. Extremely impressive.

- Also impressing for the Pacers was Brandon Rush, who showed great ballhandling ability and played tough man-to-man defense in clutch situations late in the game. I've been unsure of the move all offseason, but he's definitely ready to play big minutes in the NBA, and I think his cieling is higher than most see it. Roy Hibbert played limited minutes, but flashed good mobility for someone his size and made a tough reverse shot a la Vlade Divac. TJ Ford defined inconsistency, while Jarrett Jack was consistently garbage. The Pacers are devoid of a big man with a post game and any real bangers. The Pistons' young bigs--- Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell--- remind me of Dale Davis and would be perfect for the team.

- Jeff Van Gundy is a true triple threat when it comes to annoying announcers... Nails-on-the-chalkboard voice, armed with a slew of horrible jokes, and comes off as a complete jerk. His analysis added little to the game, too. An example: After acting shockingly butthurt when Mike Breen confirmed Van Gundy's report that Stephon Marbury didn't play in the Knicks game (Van Gundy asked if he could switch seats with Mark Jackson), Van Gundy called out San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich (who is in his 13th season as head coach with four NBA Championships) for green-lighting three-point attempts by Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in a three-point game. Immediately after saying that, Jackson disagreed with his opinion and tape was shown of Duncan hitting a three in the waning seconds against the same opponent, the Phoenix Suns, in last year's playoffs.

- Analysts love to take both sides of every issue, and there is no better example that I can remember than when they talk about Greg Oden's future. It's like they all got together on conference call after the Blazers vs. Lakers game on opening night and agreed that Oden a) will always have foot issues his whole career, b) looks 37 years old, which is HILARIOUS and must be mentioned five times a game, c) will hold the Blazers back this season, d) can be a good defender and rebounder, but will never be good on offense. Seriously? After just one game, one in which he suffered the first foot injury of his career on a rather nasty looking step, you all are ready to stop slobbering all over his nuts and call him a bust? No wait, you also he's gonna be good. But not that good. So what will you say when he is THAT good? I heard at least three people comment separately that he will never average 20 points in his career. He's 20, he's a physical freak, he's super efficient, he works hard, and he's a winner (He was something like 215-4 as an amateur at Lawrence North High School, in AAU, and at Ohio State). You know what, I'm gonna give him a pass on his injury-riddled opening performance (I was rational in the first place and didn't expect much, this is micro-fracture surgery after all...), and go ahead and project him to still become a perennial All-Star and win multiple NBA Championships, just like Gregg Popovich. I'm sure that won't stop the Jeff Van Gundy's of the NBA from doubting him the whole way, just like they do Pops.