Why the Grizzlies NEED to Start Jerami Grant | iTalkHoops
Jerami Grant should be the Memphis Grizzlies’ starting small forward, and it’s about more than winning games.
Grant averaged 18.6 points per game last season while shooting 39% from three. At 32 years old, he’s also one of the most experienced veterans on a young Memphis roster. I think the Grizzlies should use that production and experience instead of immediately pushing him aside for younger players.
In this Memphis Grizzlies season preview, I break down how Grant fits alongside Scotty Pippen Jr., Cedric Coward, Cameron Boozer and Zach Edey, why Memphis can cover for his weakness as a rebounder, and how his shooting and veteran experience could benefit the young core.
But there’s another reason to start him: preserve the asset.
If Grant plays well in Memphis, the Grizzlies maintain options. They can keep a productive veteran around the young core, explore his market at the trade deadline, or revisit a potential move in the offseason. The goal shouldn’t be to dump Jerami Grant. It should be to maximize his value and make other teams come calling.
My prediction:
13 PPG
4 RPG
2 APG
39% from three
Should Jerami Grant start at small forward, or would you rather see Jalen Wells or GG Jackson get that opportunity?
Let me know in the comments.
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Exactly correct, X. We need him to fit above all else. With that being said, even if it does turn out that he ends up leading the team in scoring, I'm not going to care as long as he fits, is reasonably efficient, and does not hinder the young players' development. Good video.
Grant ended up getting benched for a player that is very similar to Jaylen Wells's level and skill set in Toumani Camara. Starting lineup is more than just ppg.
The Blazers had been trying to trade Grant for years but only did it when they took on Ja because Grant's contract is bad. If he was showcaseable he wouldn't be a Grizzly. This also means that Grant will be a Grizzly past the end of the year.