The Miami Heat are notorious whiners, specifically LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers isn’t okay with that.
I’ve ripped apart Granger before, but there will be none of that here. As much distaste as I’ve expressed for some of Granger’s actions in the past, there’s no denying his maturation over the past year.
The small forward has taken ownership of his team, and while he has had numerous lapses in judgment, his devotion to ensuring the well-being and viability of his team has transcended into the realm of admirable.
Especially now.
Three games into the Heat-Pacers series, Granger has three technicals. Two of those techs are courtesy of altercations with James while the other one came Sunday afternoon after he got in Wade’s face. And each one was beautiful, maybe not for their timeliness, but for their intentions.
What worries me most, and should catch everyone else’s attention as well, is how complaint-happy the Heat have become, or rather, always been. We are supposed to see a championship contender in this team, and yet, the incessant arguing of calls is absolutely disconcerting.
James and Wade are two of the game’s greatest players, their team’s two most important players, and yet, with regards to dignity, neither lead by example. Arguing calls has become a staple for both athletes, and the referees tolerate it. Granger doesn’t.
After Wade expressed disgust for how he was fouled by Roy Hibbert, Granger confronted him. And by doing so, he was not only defending his teammate, but also making it clear he, and the rest of his team, will not stand idly by and accept Miami’s unwarranted grumbling. Wade had already gotten the call, there was no need to continue belly-aching.
Is Granger’s form of retribution acceptable? According to the rulebook, no, hence the technicals. However, the NBA has allowed, and therefore condoned, the sometimes over the top actions of two of its best players for far too long; groaning, hanging on the rim and complaining cannot become as prevalent as they have in South Beach.
Yes, it’s the postseason and emotions are running high, but they still must be kept in check, and Granger has proven to be no exception. But James and Wade have.
Carmelo Anthony allowed his “buddies” to run circles and spew novels worth of grievances in the first round.
Thank you, Danny Granger for not allowing it to happen once again in round two.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
