Final Grade
Jerian Grant needed to find his place and create some consistency. That was the thing that eluded him his entire career. He showed promise as a big guard able to drive and create for others. But it never became actualized.
The Orlando Magic were his last chance in many ways. They had him at the end of his rookie contract and put him in a role where he would get his opportunity.
But Grant has spent his entire career looking for his place and seemingly disappointing. Grant was supposed to be a big guard who could use his size to get inside the lane. He was supposed to be a big guard who could defend.
Grant has never become any of that. His defense is not horrible, but not nearly good enough to make up for any of his offensive shortcomings. While his 3-point shot was better in the 2019 season, his offensive game left a lot to be desired.
Grant may have done some things that made for a better individual season for him. He showed some individual improvement. But a point guard’s job is to lead the team. And the Magic were worse when he was on the floor. There is no getting around that.
Orlando probably stuck with Grant too long as the backup point guard. Perhaps Isaiah Briscoe was not ready until the team turned to him when it did. But it was hard to justify going back to Jerian Grant and the Magic quickly signed Michael Carter-Williams to avoid going back to Grant.
This was Grant’s last chance seemingly to save his NBA career. To prove he could be a productive player.
Maybe he did enough to convince someone to give him a low-risk flyer next season. But in all likelihood, he has to fight his way to stay in the league. He just did not give the Magic what they needed.
Orlando moved on mid-season.