Syracuse Basketball: Jerami Grant Wants To Win, Not Be Flashy
While the media loves former Syracuse basketball star Carmelo Anthony, they should be paying attention to another SU alum, Jerami Grant.
Former Syracuse basketball Forward Jerami Grant has been having himself a decent season, averaging 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, per Basketball Reference.
Grant was taken with the 39th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and has been able to stay somewhat relevant in the league because of his selfless attitude, and eagerness to win.
In today’s NBA, offensive talents outweigh defensive talents. At least when it comes to coverage from the media. While that’s just fine with Grant who doesn’t care about the attention. Grant’s defense-first mindset is the reason why he has played heavy minutes for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, especially late in games.
Since being drafted, Jerami Grant had only played for the Philadelphia 76ers, the laughingstock of
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the NBA.
However, the Syracuse product was able to find himself a true home in OKC this season, and his all-around game has improved drastically.
In no way am I looking to bash Philadelphia’s strategy in which they develop talent, but Grant has shown far more improvement this season than any of his previous with Philly.
After being drafted by Sam Hinkie in 2014, replacement Bryan Colangelo traded Grant to the Thunder.
Although Grant’s statistics don’t jump out at you, his on-court presence tells a different tale. Grant wasn’t a high pick by any means, and has probably surprised most by lasting in the NBA this long.
How has he done it? He’s worked extremely hard, and is willing to do whatever it takes in order for his team to win, and for him to get more action.
What most don’t realize is that Jerami Grant is a freakishly talent athlete. Grant displayed his athleticism against the Golden State Warriors earlier this year, when he dunked over Kevin Durant.
Russell Westbrook for MVP?
I often make an effort to watch Russell Westbrook play, especially this season. The MVP candidate is doing things that NBA fans thought was impossible, and it’s must watch television.
When the game is coming to its’ final moments, everyone has their eyes on an OKC Thunder game, much of that attention is glued to Westbrook, and for good reason. Westbrook is only the second player in history to average a triple double over the course of a season. While he is also the new triple double king thanks to his 42nd the other night.
However, when I watch the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter, I often see Jerami Grant on the floor, giving it his all on both ends, and playing a vital role in OKC’s victories when they win.
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Jerami Grant has earned every second of playing time he has been awarded within his career. When the playoffs swing around, all NBA fans will finally be exposed to his mixture of hustle and talent. Grant has been an underrated Syracuse alum in the NBA, but he represents the program with class.