2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jerian Grant

Overall Outlook

Jerian Grant is someone that has the look of an interesting player. His size and his length along with his great driving ability all seem like they should add up to a pretty good player. The pieces just have not come together.

Grant has not lived up to his defensive potential and his driving is not enough to make up for his lack of a shot.

He has grown as a point guard throughout his three-year career. His passing and his assists have gotten better. Grant has also become a better and more efficient shooter overall. He picks his spots on when to shoot and attack better.

But, again, the whole picture has not come into focus. Grant does not do the things he needs to earn the consistent role that has eluded him for much of his playing career to date.

In the last year of his rookie contract, the Orlando Magic are in a position to give him every opportunity to make his mark and get his chance to succeed. That was part of the rationale in acquiring him. They wanted to acquire someone with something to prove.

Grant certainly has that.

When he is at his best, it is clear to see the kind of talent Grant has. He has the length to be a strong defensive presence at point guard. His size gives him an advantage over most guards. He will get plenty of steals when he is playing good.

But he will gamble a bit too much and struggles to keep players in front of him. Add in the poor shooting and there is a lot left to be desired.

But the Magic are willing to wait him out. They are willing to give him the opportunity to play and see if he can put everything together. This is the time for him to get that opportunity.

Grant has shown himself capable at times. The question is whether he will make the most of this chance to play.