Orlando Magic Daily
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2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jerian Grant

By Philip Rossman-Reich

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Jerian Grant #2 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 5, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Jerian Grant #2 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 5, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Jerian Grant, Chicago Bulls, Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) at the United Center in Chicago on January 17, 2018. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

What Could Go Wrong

There is still a lot to say about Jerian Grant’s jumper. It is the big piece that is holding him back. Add in a consistent 3-point shot and, all of a sudden, Grant looks like a solid backup option at a minimum and a borderline starter too.

That is where Grant could be. But that is not where he is.

There is always a reason players get shuffled around. The Chicago Bulls sent him to the Orlando Magic in a three-team trade and got back in return only Julyan Stone. Stone is not exactly a rotation player and Grant on a rookie deal was not a contract anyone needed to shed.

Grant is not quite on his last NBA legs, but the kind of contract and role he plays is on the line this season.

And that could highlight a lot of his shortcomings.

The shooting is the first one to note. That will determine just how much Grant is able to play. But the other part of the equation is his defense.

With his size and length, he should be a much better defender. That is likely what intrigued the Magic in acquiring him — essentially giving up two second-round picks to pick Grant up in that trade. But that part remains unproven for him.

Grant is a bit of a tweener for that reason. He is a big and strong guard and knows how to use that size to get to the basket and create off the dribble. But he has not quite figured out how to use that length and natural skill defensively. His speed does not translate much to that end.

On that end, fortunately, his length does help him generate some steals and turnovers. He averaged nearly a steal per game last year. Whether coach Steve Clifford wants him gambling is another question.

Grant is clearly someone with a ton of talent. But all the skills just have not come together. And so he has found himself bouncing between roles and struggling to find his place in the NBA.

None of those questions have been put to bed entering this season.