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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, Denver Nuggets
CHICAGO, USA – MARCH 21: Jerian Grant (2) of Chicago Bulls in action during the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets at United Center in Chicago, USA on March 21, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

Searching for an opportunity

Really all any young player wants is the opportunity to play. That is often easier said than done in the NBA. Nothing is guaranteed and veterans can push out young players who may need a bit more seasoning or flounder when they get time too quickly.

Factors such as the team’s goal, the coaching staff and the overall depth chart can conspire to keep a player from seeing the floor. Even for first-round picks — with the guarantee of that two-year contract and likely four years in the NBA — there is no promise of playing time.

And, like a new car, these players start losing value the moment they step on the floor. Unless they prove otherwise.

This has been the case for Jerian Grant throughout his career. Teams have passed him around throughout his short NBA career, starting on Draft night when the Washington Wizards traded him to the New York Knicks.

Grant did not get much chance with the Knicks, averaging 16.6 minutes per game in his 76 appearances. Then again, Grant did not do much to merit more time with 5.6 points per game and 39.4 percent shooting.

When he got shipped to the Chicago Bulls, he played virtually the same minutes and averaged the same scoring with a bit more efficiency.

That put Grant in a bad spot. If not for the Bulls’ decision to rebuild with the trade of Jimmy Butler, Jerian Grant might have struggled to get any playing time. But that change got Grant some opportunity. Especially with Zach LaVine recovering from injury.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Grant had his best year last year with more playing time, averaging 8.4 points per game on 41.6 percent shooting. He played a career-high 22.8 minutes per game. Grant got his opportunities to start and performed well in those moments.

But in any case, it is not the picture of consistency that a future starter calls for. Grant got all that playing time last year as much because of injuries as anything else.

The Magic are likely a better opportunity to playing time. They have a bit of a deficiency at point guard. D.J. Augustin is consistent but not spectacular. There is the opportunity to string together some strong play and master the offense and take a starting job. The Magic might prefer that especially if his defense recovers.

But Grant in any case feels firmly ensconsed as the backup. That is an opportunity for him too. A consistent role and some stability could give him the platform to reach his potential. And at least net that next contract.