Danny Granger was never supposed to play for the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers had the 17th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. They had Granger come to Indianapolis for a pre-draft workout, but hardly harbored any illusions that they would be able to get him without trading up in the draft.
A 6-8 swingman out of New Mexico with eye-popping athleticism and an NBA-ready body, Granger steadily rose up draft boards that spring. He seemed a lock to go in the lottery. ESPN draft expert Chad Ford's final rankings before the draft listed Granger as the fifth-best prospect in the 2005 class.