Orlando Magic: 3 goals for Jerian Grant in 2018-19

After being traded to the Orlando Magic in July to bolster the team’s point guard depth, here are three goals for Jerian Grant in the 2018-19 NBA season.

On July 8, Jerian Grant was acquired by the Orlando Magic from the Chicago Bulls in a three-team trade. In a deal that also included Timofey Mozgov, the Magic agreed to send Bismack Biyombo back to the Charlotte Hornets, as well as two future second round picks. While this is a mid-level move based on the players traded, it had big implications for the Magic in a few ways.

First, it allowed for the Magic to get rid of an unnecessarily big contract in Bismack Biyombo. After he shined in the 2016 postseason with the Toronto Raptors, the Magic took the bait and signed the big man to a four-year, $72 million deal. It looked bad then and paid off horribly, with Biyombo never averaging more than 6.0 points or 7.0 rebounds per game. The Rob Hennigan effect still lingers.

Secondly, this trade allowed the Magic to bolster their point guard depth — something they desperately needed to do after striking out on multiple draft picks and free agents this offseason.
In adding Jerian Grant, the Magic got a young, upstart lead guard who has untapped potential to back up incumbent starter D.J. Augustin. It truly was a win-win of a trade, and Magic fans should be excited about having Grant on the team.

Orlando’s president of basketball operations Rob Weltman is excited about the prospect of having Grant on the team as well. He stated post trade:

"“He’s still young and he’s a growing player and hopefully he can thrive with us. He’s going to get an opportunity. He’s a good defender, he’s got size and he knows how to play.”"

Let’s take a look at three goals that Jerian Grant needs to hit in 2018-19 for this season to be a success.