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Syracuse Basketball: Jerami Grant has chance to be “long-term” fit for Nuggets

By Ryan Lee

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 26: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 26, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 26: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 26, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Former Syracuse Basketball standout Jerami Grant is on the move. Oklahoma City trades Grant to Western Conference contender Denver Nuggets.

Jerami Grant is on the move, the Syracuse Basketball alum will be heading from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Denver Nuggets.

Grant is coming off of a career year in 2018-19 in several key categories. 77 starts last season is the biggest one that jumps out and that’s something that could continue with his new team.

Jerami is on the second year of his current three year extremely team-friendly deal.

After filling in as a role player for the majority of his career, it seems those days are over.

ESPN NBA Insider Zach Lowe decided to share his thoughts on the fit:

"“Reading the tea leaves, Paul Millsap has an expiring contract and Trey Lyles has been renounced. Jerami Grant gets a chance to be Denver’s long term power forward.”"

"To acquire Grant, Denver had to send back some draft capital. Lowe provided the details, “the 2020 Denver first-round pick is top-10 protected over the next three years. If the pick is still in play after that it’ll convert to 2-second rounders.”"

Grant had a breakout season as a starter for the Thunder a season ago. Grant started 77 games last season, almost doubling his career total.

A stretch athletic four who can score at an above-average clip is a desired commodity in the NBA these days making Grant a player very attractive after the Thunder acquired Danilo Gallinari in the blockbuster Paul George trade in the early hours of Saturday morning. Grant adds his versatility and that athleticism, next to Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

Grant who can stretch the floor after improving his three-point shooting to 39 percent.

FUN FACT, here is the list of players who had at least 50 made three-pointers, 100 blocks, and 61 steals last season:

  • Karl-Anthony Towns
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo
  • Jerami Grant

While blocking more than a shot a game. Grant has shown the ability to guard at least three different positions allowing him to switch screens and help off defensively and able to recover.

Millsap was brought back when Denver picked up his team option for the 2019-2020 season and Plumlee will also enter the season as an expiring contract. Grant and Porter Jr. along with Jokic, Bol Bol, and Jarred Vanderbilt as the only members of the Denver frontcourt that are currently signed past the 2019-2020 season.

Next. Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History. dark

Grant averaged 13.6 points a game with 5.2 rebounds. Both career highs in his final season in Oklahoma. This is a perfect pairing between a like-minded player and organization.

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