The 2018 NBA Manifesto
Jerian Grant
PG - 6’4, 198lbs - 25 years old - 3 years of experience
Given a lot of playing time this season, Grant successfully proved what he is and what he isn’t.
What he is is a good third guard. Grant is best when looking to score via the jump-shot, both mid-range and from outside. If he can work the ball around off of that and record some assists that way, it is better than asking him to run a team and bring the ball up every time. He is not the biggest, most explosive player nor does he have the best handle, but he is solid enough in all areas, and is a pretty good shooter off the dribble.
What he isn’t is an NBA lead guard. Grant played the point and primary playmaking roles to begin the season, and although the numbers he returned (except his three-point shooting) were fine, the results were not pretty. It is true that he had to run with some pretty terrible offensive line-ups. But it is also true that his inability to break down a defence and kick/hit cutters regularly is partly why those units were so turgid. When Grant did get to the rim, he was too readily deterred from challenging in the trees, and in not wanting to commit turnovers, he would overdribble and lose offensive rhythm. In not wanting to make errors, he took no risks, and thus moved no defences.
Nevertheless, when moving back into the right sort of role upon Kris Dunn’s return, Grant’s play improved. Defensively fairly solid at both guard spots, Grant should play a good few NBA seasons as a depth option, and is the kind of player that the Oklahoma City Thunder (for example) would very much have benefitted from this season. Just don’t ask him to do too much, for he will instead do too little.
Player Plan: One year of rookie scale salary remaining. Extension eligible but it seems unnecessary considering his spot on the team is unclear anyway.
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PG - 6’4, 198lbs - 25 years old - 3 years of experience
Given a lot of playing time this season, Grant successfully proved what he is and what he isn’t.
What he is is a good third guard. Grant is best when looking to score via the jump-shot, both mid-range and from outside. If he can work the ball around off of that and record some assists that way, it is better than asking him to run a team and bring the ball up every time. He is not the biggest, most explosive player nor does he have the best handle, but he is solid enough in all areas, and is a pretty good shooter off the dribble.
What he isn’t is an NBA lead guard. Grant played the point and primary playmaking roles to begin the season, and although the numbers he returned (except his three-point shooting) were fine, the results were not pretty. It is true that he had to run with some pretty terrible offensive line-ups. But it is also true that his inability to break down a defence and kick/hit cutters regularly is partly why those units were so turgid. When Grant did get to the rim, he was too readily deterred from challenging in the trees, and in not wanting to commit turnovers, he would overdribble and lose offensive rhythm. In not wanting to make errors, he took no risks, and thus moved no defences.
Nevertheless, when moving back into the right sort of role upon Kris Dunn’s return, Grant’s play improved. Defensively fairly solid at both guard spots, Grant should play a good few NBA seasons as a depth option, and is the kind of player that the Oklahoma City Thunder (for example) would very much have benefitted from this season. Just don’t ask him to do too much, for he will instead do too little.
Player Plan: One year of rookie scale salary remaining. Extension eligible but it seems unnecessary considering his spot on the team is unclear anyway.
