Jerami Grant, yay or nay?

[Fez Hammersticks]

He’s a Morris twin with a green light. He is an absolute ball stopper and black hole - think CJ but way worse.

The glue guy he was in Denver is gone. He’s now an inefficient chucker.

NAY

 

[blazerkor]

He’s a Morris twin with a green light. He is an absolute ball stopper and black hole - think CJ but way worse.

The glue guy he was in Denver is gone. He’s now an inefficient chucker.

NAY

This is not an accurate description of him when he was on the Nuggets. The fact is he is being asked to be the first option and that's what he's playing like but he's proven to be extremely effective as a third option and I think he could he a second option too.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Can you play him and Nurk together for extended minutes?

Well, I found this:
DALLAS – When the Rockets added Daniel Theis to the roster, the second consecutive season they brought in a center after a season spent sending them out, they believed it would work because of Christian Wood’s ability to defend on the perimeter.

They have taken than to an extent even Rockets coach Stephen Silas would not have predicted, switching defensively far more often than he expected, in part because of Wood’s work defending far from the basket.

“I think he’s been good,” Silas said. “We’ve been switching a lot with him. He’s been containing the ball and he’s not been giving up blow-bys, which is the main thing. If you’re getting beat but you’re not getting blown by and you’re still in the play where we can help, then you’re doing good.

“He knows where he’s supposed to be and able to contain the ball better than probably I thought he would.”

Wood is not the only one. The Rockets quickly found that Theis could work in some switches but have been especially surprised by rookie Alperen Sengun’s defense. Considered a weakness heading into the draft, Sengun has defended well enough for the Rockets to continue switching even when Theis or Wood is out.

“We’re switching more than I had anticipated based on the ability to contain the basketball,” Silas said. “Al-P’s turned out to be someone who can contain the ball and Theis can contain the ball. So, we are switching probably a little bit more than we should, but we’re getting into it more.”

That still begins with Wood who went into Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks averaging a team-high 33.7 minutes per game.

“I’m comfortable,” Wood said of how he feels switching onto guards. “I’ve been comfortable since the summer. I was comfortable last year when coach started trying to switch me onto point guards, stuff like that I’m comfortable guarding those guys. I think I’ve been doing an OK job at it. I can do a little better.”

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

This is not an accurate description of him when he was on the Nuggets. The fact is he is being asked to be the first option and that's what he's playing like but he's proven to be extremely effective as a third option and I think he could he a second option too.

It is - he wants to go to a team where he’s the first option. He has totally abandoned what made him intriguing in favor of scoring.

You guys are right in the sense that he would be a solid third option but he made it clear he wants the offense built around him with a new $100+m extension.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

You lost me on the Wood discussion. Has there been talk that Houston wants to trade him?

This is what one writer said shortly after the incident with Porter and Wood then refused to go back into the game:
"There’s a solution to all this: Cut Porter Jr. Waive him. Release him. Whatever. Eat what’s left of the $1.8 million he’s owed this season and the $3.2 million he’s got next and move on. Trade Wood. Call up Charlotte or Portland or any other team desperate for frontcourt infusion and swap him for spare parts.
Wood has one year left on his contract. He can be extended, but why would Houston dangle franchise player cash to a player who has yet to have an impact on winning?"

 

[Boise Blazer]

I think our play out late speaks to fit with a team (ie Hart) over what they look like in a vacuum or just looking at stats. It becomes about buy in. Can Grant or Woods buy into how we want to play now?

 

[BankTeller]

I think our play out late speaks to fit with a team (ie Hart) over what they look like in a vacuum or just looking at stats. It becomes about buy in. Can Grant or Woods buy into how we want to play now?

Don’t think either can. Jonathan Isaac can though. Also locked up for 3 more seasons for less than Grant’s contract. That might be important, considering we also have to sorry about Hart next FA. Isaac’s young enough than he can buy into Chauncey’s system.

 

[STOMP]

Don’t think either can. Jonathan Isaac can though. Also locked up for 3 more seasons for less than Grant’s contract. That might be important, considering we also have to sorry about Hart next FA. Isaac’s young enough than he can buy into Chauncey’s system.

Isaac is also a vocal anti-vax guy who wants to talk religion, which makes him attractive to some who obsess over culture wars while for others it raises some concerns on how he'd fit in. He is taking an extremely long time to come back from a knee injury, which definitely raise my concerns. He was looking like a jack of all trades SF the last time he was healthy.

I like Grant. He's got a nice J, is a good all around athlete & would be the best Forward Portland has had in years. I've no idea why you wouldn't think he'd buy in to playing on a good team again.

STOMP

 

[beast blazer]

Wood would be a top line starter at PF; which is where he has done his best work.

How much wood would wood wood if wood could wood wood.

 

[BankTeller]

Isaac is also a vocal anti-vax bible thumper, which makes him attractive to some who obsess over culture wars while for others it raises some concerns on how he'd fit in. He is taking an extremely long time to come back from a knee injury, which definitely raise my concerns. He was looking like a jack of all trades SF the last time he was healthy.

I like Grant. He's got a nice J, is a good all around athlete & would be the best Forward Portland has had in years. I've no idea why you wouldn't think he'd buy in to playing on a good team again.

STOMP

I’m only going to respond in regards to his basketball fit. I’ve learned enough about why black people have mistrust in the government and the vaccine, so I can completely understand that. He didn’t try to hide it like Aaron Rodgers, he kept it real from the beginning.

Regarding the injury, I’m pretty sure the Magic are just being extra precautious with him. Before this season, JJJ had missed close to half the available games played. Tanking teams are in no rush to bring guys back—he’d still have to pass the physicals to get traded here.

Isaac was definitely not looking like a jack of all trades SF right before his injury. The guy before the injury would transform our defense at either wing position. I would expect Grant to be the better scorer only because Grant is older, but he isn’t nearly the defender and will expect more than $20m next summer.

That sweet J hasn’t translated, just based off watching him. Including his two 40% shooting seasons, Grant is averaging 34.5% from 3 which is only 1.5% higher than Isaac. Not the defender Isaac is and will cost more. Athleticism is a wash, although I’d argue Isaac is more athletic. Issac would also be the best forward Portland has had in years. So nothing you’ve said about Grant is untrue about Isaac.

I’m just judging Grant based on his past decisions, which is what we all as people should do. I’m not saying taking less money in DET was ONLY so he can be the man on a bad team, but he hasn’t said much about wanting to be in DET to tell me otherwise.

If your only argument is you’re worried about his injury, you got me, and I’d understand. If your only other arguments is he believes in God and is concerned about taking the vaccine, I’ll just chuckle and move on lol.

 

[Natebishop3]

Nay. He doesn't fit this culture.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

Just say no.

 

[blazerfan11]

After watching him help his team beat Boston in Boston, yes to Jerami Grant.
He's a guy who can hit big shots at the end of a game, and a guy who can take on the other teams best player on defense. He poked the ball away from Jayson Tatum (eventually leading to the shot clock expiring) on one possession late in the game, and stayed in front of Tatum for the last shot of the game which was a miss.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

After watching him help his team beat Boston in Boston, yes to Jerami Grant.
He's a guy who can hit big shots at the end of a game, and a guy who can take on the other teams best player on defense. He poked the ball away from Jayson Tatum (eventually leading to the shot clock expiring) on one possession late in the game, and stayed in front of Tatum for the last shot of the game which was a miss.

Saying yes based on one game?

Pick the right game for nearly any player and they are a yes.

 

[blazerfan11]

It is - he wants to go to a team where he’s the first option. He has totally abandoned what made him intriguing in favor of scoring.

You guys are right in the sense that he would be a solid third option but he made it clear he wants the offense built around him with a new $100+m extension.

Grant is now a second/third option for the Pistons. What team is going to build around him? The way he played in their victory over Boston last night would fit fine with the Trail Blazers. He was 8-13 for 24 points. He hit several shots near the end of the game and defended Jayson Tatum well.
I don't know why Detroit would trade him.

 

[blazerfan11]

Saying yes based on one game?

Pick the right game for nearly any player and they are a yes.

Nope. I've watched several Pistons games.

 

[Hoopguru]

No....

 

[STOMP]

If your only argument is you’re worried about his injury, you got me, and I’d understand. If your only other arguments is he believes in God and is concerned about taking the vaccine, I’ll just chuckle and move on lol.

Lots of people believe in God. Even in this age, I'd speculate most do and no one with any sense has a problem with someone holding spiritual beliefs. But it's the one's who lead with it that tend to rub people wrong. Since hoops is a team sport and teams work best when they work together, someone who is off by themselves can be problematic. Being loud and proud about not taking the vaccine raises concerns as we're a billion shots in and the results are decidedly in. He's sited a litany of long debunked theories as to why he's not getting vaxed... fine his choice. I'm sure any management considering acquiring him would be looking into his character to judge whether he's just misguided & teammates accept/love him or if he's more of a selfish crazy asshat who teammates tolerate professionally.

So no, my only argument isn't just the massive red flag that is Isaac's oft injured left knee thats contributed to him only playing in less then half (137 of the 297) of the Magic's games since he was drafted in 2017. An example of a young player who missed so much time early in their career to knee injuries and then went on to a long productive career doesn't spring to mind. Odd that you're so sure about him being fine when there isn't even a current projection for his return... he was supposed to be back from months ago.

STOMP

 

[Wizard Mentor]

We need the best PF we can get without giving up Dame, Ant, Little, Nurk. If that's Grant, I'm all for it.

We've just won 4 straight with CJE starting and getting 30+ mpg. Imagine if that was Grant instead.

 

[Pinwheel1]

We need the best PF we can get without giving up Dame, Ant, Little, Nurk. If that's Grant, I'm all for it.

We've just won 4 straight with CJE starting and getting 30+ mpg. Imagine if that was Grant instead.

I am beginning to think that is the right move. He can play either forward spot next to both Nas and/or Watford.
I think they are interchangeable. As "long" as Watford is at PF, Nas is essentially just as long. (Both with a 7'2" wing) Grant compliments both.

But I don't want to give up both lottery picks if it comes down to it. One yes..... but both? I kind of want to save one for a backup center.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I am beginning to think that is the right move. He can play either forward spot next to both Nas and/or Watford.
I think they are interchangeable. As "long" as Watford is at PF, Nas is essentially just as long. (Both with a 7'2" wing) Grant compliments both.

But I don't want to give up both lottery picks if it comes down to it. One yes..... but both? I kind of want to save one for a backup center.

Exactly, except I think we should distinguish "our pick" and the "Pels pick". It's very possible these have substantially different value. If things continue in this vein, I'm ok with giving up our pick, but not the Pels pick for Grant.

 

[wizenheimer]

Exactly, except I think we should distinguish "our pick" and the "Pels pick". It's very possible these have substantially different value. If things continue in this vein, I'm ok with giving up our pick, but not the Pels pick for Grant.

damn olshey and the stupid protections he put on the pick he traded for Nance. If Chicago was demanding that the Blazers had to lock up 7 years of future 1st's for Nance, olshey should have told them to fuck-off. There should have been no more than 2-3 years of lottery protection before it became a couple of 2nds. If the Blazers had their 2025-27 firsts available, they'd have better leverage in any discussions

 

[blazerfan11]

Here's an "all possessions" video of Jerami Grant that I didn't cherry pick. You notice some things:


1. He's definitely not a "black hole." He's a very willing passer.
2. His length on defense. Watch the shot block on Ja Morant at 1:30. That's impressive.
3. He's very good finishing at the hoop and getting through the defense to get there. He does not rush.
4. He takes long-range 2-pointers. Not good, obviously. I don't know how much better he shoots from that "Aldridge" spot compared to 3-pointers.
5. No problem running down the court. Going to to be very hard to stop him finishing with a bucket if he's only got one man to beat.

Pair him with Nassir Little and Josh Hart that would be a formidable defense for shooters to shoot against.

I don't know why the Pistons would trade him. But if he somehow ends up a Blazer, the team would definitely be better. Probably better than if we added Lillard without Grant.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Here's an "all possessions" video of Jerami Grant that I didn't cherry pick. You notice some things:


1. He's definitely not a "black hole." He's a very willing passer.
2. His length on defense. Watch the shot block on Ja Morant at 1:30. That's impressive.
3. He's very good finishing at the hoop and getting through the defense to get there. He does not rush.
4. He takes long-range 2-pointers. Not good, obviously. I don't know how much better he shoots from that "Aldridge" spot compared to 3-pointers.
5. No problem running down the court. Going to to be very hard to stop him finishing with a bucket if he's only got one man to beat.

Pair him with Nassir Little and Josh Hart that would be a formidable defense for shooters to shoot against.

I don't know why the Pistons would trade him. But if he somehow ends up a Blazer, the team would definitely be better. Probably better than if we added Lillard without Grant.

Presumably because he has 1 year left on his contract (after this season) and he'll jet away from a losing team as soon as he can - which would lose him for nothing. Personally, I'd rather have Christian Wood, but Grant would be fine.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I decided to do a little bit more research on Wood since I don't really know much about him. so checked out a draft express draft profile (when they were still free);

1. Athleticism: "Athletically, Wood is impressive, as he's extremely fluid and agile for a player his size, running the floor very well when motivated, with long strides and the ability to get off the ground quickly and effortlessly. "- Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Christian-Wood-7182/ ©DraftExpress
Standing 6-11, with a 7-3 wingspan, Wood has excellent size and length for a NBA power forward. His frame is somewhat on the frail side at the moment, particularly in the lower body, but will certainly continue to fill out as he matures physically, with the help of an NBA weight room. - (he has added 15 pounds since then, up to 230).

2. only shot 28% on threes early in his career but has improved that to a consistent 37% Seems to indicate he works on his game. They were concerned he was taking bad shots but considering his efficiency now, it seems he has corrected that also, seems to indicate he is open to coaching.

3, Intensity seemed to be a problem then; I don't know if that has changed or not, although he was then and is now a good rebounder. "Inside the post, Wood is not particularly physical, as he tends to just stand straight-up and allow stronger players to catch the ball with deep position without putting up much of a fight. Once they catch it, he doesn't do a great job of bodying up his matchup or trying to hold his ground to avoid getting backed down. He doesn't appear to be the toughest or most contact loving player around, and his intensity leaves a lot to be desired as well in terms of his ability to give a second effort. It's not rare for example to see him jogging back on defense and getting beat up the floor by the opposing big man." -

4. Another concern they had was his low assist rate of 8%, but he has improved that to 12%.

5. He was originally slated to be drafted in the 20's but then went undrafted. They speculate it might have been "concerns about his background and off-court habits "- They don't elaborate on that.

 

[Scalma]

Wood is the antithesis of a Billups player.

 

[blazerfan11]

Presumably because he has 1 year left on his contract (after this season) and he'll jet away from a losing team as soon as he can - which would lose him for nothing. Personally, I'd rather have Christian Wood, but Grant would be fine.

Yeah, I'm sure there are other options, that are probably better salary wise.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Wood is the antithesis of a Billups player.

you mean he is not a shooting guard, and he can shoot...

 

[illmatic99]

Here's an "all possessions" video of Jerami Grant that I didn't cherry pick. You notice some things:


1. He's definitely not a "black hole." He's a very willing passer.
2. His length on defense. Watch the shot block on Ja Morant at 1:30. That's impressive.
3. He's very good finishing at the hoop and getting through the defense to get there. He does not rush.
4. He takes long-range 2-pointers. Not good, obviously. I don't know how much better he shoots from that "Aldridge" spot compared to 3-pointers.
5. No problem running down the court. Going to to be very hard to stop him finishing with a bucket if he's only got one man to beat.

Pair him with Nassir Little and Josh Hart that would be a formidable defense for shooters to shoot against.

I don't know why the Pistons would trade him. But if he somehow ends up a Blazer, the team would definitely be better. Probably better than if we added Lillard without Grant.

i really think that video makes me want him less than before

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Wood is the antithesis of a Billups player.

It does appear that way, although he is a pretty good rebounder and his advanced defensive stats are about the same as Grant's. I wonder if Billups has any kind of relationship with John Lucas, who would be able to give him some insight.