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Pistons: When is it time to worry about Jerami Grant?

By Duncan Smith

Mar 29, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant (9) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Flynn (8) defends during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant (9) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Flynn (8) defends during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pistons, Jerami Grant
Pistons, Jerami Grant Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jerami Grant’s defense remains consistent

While his shooting has fallen off dramatically, his other contributions have been consistent. He’s getting to the free throw line nearly as much in the last 22 games (6.3 attempts per game) as the first 24 (6.5), and thank goodness because he’s needed those easy points. His rebounds, assists and stocks (steals plus blocks) have dipped, but his defensive impact has remained consistent as well.

Over the first 24 games of the season, the Pistons had a defensive rating of 110.4 when he was on the floor and 113.2 when he was off it. Since then, the Pistons have a defensive rating of 110.6 when Grant is on the floor, and this is with a hodgepodge of assorted players alongside him.

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That defensive rating would be the 11th-best in the NBA, and considering the dearth of skilled defenders that Grant has had at his side this season, it’s a mark in his favor.

In conclusion

By no means has Grant excelled over the past month and a half, but it’s important to bear in mind just why that is. In his first go as the main guy on offense, Grant has at times also been the only guy on offense. For a player who is more seasoned in that role, perhaps the challenge wouldn’t be so stark, but it’s weighed on him as the season has worn on.

There may come a time to worry about whether Jerami Grant’s early production was a mirage, but that time won’t be during this season. We’re going to need to see what he looks like with some more NBA-caliber players alongside him once this promising rookie corps of Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Killian Hayes and Saben Lee develop and Troy Weaver gets one more offseason to accumulate talent.

Keep an eye on Grant as the season goes on, but we’re not at the point of panic yet.

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