Over the next couple of weeks we will evaluate the Sixers' roster following the 10-72 season. Next up is Jerami Grant.
Position: Forward
Status: Under contract for 2016-17 at $980,431.
Signature game
Grant had plenty of games in which he filled out the stat sheet this past season but none more so than the Sixers' 110-105 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 30. He showed the Sixers exactly what they hope he can develop into on a consistent basis.
Grant recorded a double-double in the victory with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He was the model of efficiency in the game, which has been a problem for him, as he connected on 4 of 6 shots, including 2 of 3 from three-point range. He also knocked down 6 of 8 free throws.
When Grant gets rolling, what separates him is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways and he did that against the Kings by adding five blocks, two steals and two assists.
Grant in 2015-16
Like other Sixers, Grant routinely left you wanting more.
His athleticism is off the charts, as shown by his rim-rattling dunks. Grant also guarded multiple positions on a nightly basis. He often found himself matched up against the opponents' best offensive option and more than held his own, as he ranked 12th in the entire league with 1.65 blocks per game.
NBA
However, his offense left much to be desired. Sure, with more minutes and freedom on the offensive end, Grant increased his scoring from 6.3 points a game as a rookie to 9.7 points during his sophomore season. But his efficiency numbers remained ugly. He shot 41.9 percent from the field, up from 35.2 percent but still nowhere close to what you want from the 6-8 forward. And despite taking less three-pointers in 2015-16, his percentages plummeted from 31.4 to 24.0.
Prospectus
Expect more of the same from Grant next season, but whether he takes that next step in his progression will strictly depend on whether he can make a consistent jumper.
Often praised for his hard work by teammates, Grant will certainly lock himself in the gym this summer and fire up one jump shot after another until he gets it right. And while you would expect nothing less from a professional and someone with Grant's NBA genes, it won't matter a lick if he can't at least make opponents respect the threat of his jumper.
If he finds his outside touch, Grant will come away as a true steal for the Sixers as the 39th pick in the 2014 draft. If not, he'll just be another flawed player currently occupying space on the team's roster.
On Jerami Grant
“He was very hardworking, I remember that. He always wanted to be in the gym. He just kept getting taller and taller every year. Finally when he filled into himself, that’s when he started getting really good. He has athleticism and a great upside. He has a great future because he works. When guys like that who are that gifted work on their game, it can get scary. I wish the best for him.” —Victor Oladipo