2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jerian Grant

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Amway Center on January 29, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Amway Center on January 29, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Jerian Grant, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 9: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards on November 9, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Best Game of 2019

Nov. 9 vs. Wizards: 13 points, 5/5 FGs, 2/2 3FGs

Jerian Grant had only one game where he eclipsed 10 points the entire season. Scoring is not his main role and he rarely played enough to make a huge and measurable offensive impact.

Especially considering the season he had, there were few games and even fewer moments that anyone could point to as a bright spot for Grant. He is usually not a player who stands out anyway.

In the early season win over the Washington Wizards at the Amway Center, Grant started to look like a player who could hold that backup spot and give the Magic the boost they needed.

He hit all five of his shots in scoring 13 points and helping Orlando build a big lead in that game. He was +5 for the Magic in the game. It was hard not to argue he had a positive impact in this game. He was the one who seemed to give the team the boost to build a 20-plus point lead.

The Magic were still figuring out who they were in this game, of course. The starters were still developing a rhythm. It was still a mystery to figure out who the Magic could rely on each night.

Of course, this game previewed some of the problems Grant would have defensively.

Whenever he was matched up with John Wall, Wall’s speed simply overwhelmed Grant. And the Wizards started making their run to make the game close while Grant and the second unit were still on the floor.

That was an all-too-familiar theme for Grant. Even in his good games.