New York Knicks: 5 Takeaways From Las Vegas Summer League
Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks guard Jerian Grant (13) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the 76ers at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Fellow Rookie Is Ready
While Porzingis has drawn a lot of attention for the Knicks from the 2015 NBA Draft, they did select another player; Jerian Grant of Notre Dame. The Knicks acquired the rights to Grant from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr on draft night. In his first appearance with the Knicks, he made sure that people would start remembering him when talking about the Knicks’ 2015 NBA Draft class.
Grant was one of the more impressive rookies in Las Vegas, despite more heralded players, and point guards, such as D’Angelo Russell, Emmanuel Mudiay also taking part. Grant looked as ready as anyone to run a team and was only one of two guys to start all five games for the Knicks, along with Cleanthony Early. He made a concerted effort to run the offense, despite it being one he wasn’t very familiar with prior.
What will also entice Knicks fans was his ability to get into the paint at will. It has been a long time, probably since Stephon Marbury, that the Knicks had a point guard athletic enough to break down the defense and get into the paint to cause some havoc. Grant looked like that point guard in Las Vegas as opponents struggled to keep him in front of them. His 20 free throw attempts trailed only Porzingis on the Knicks,
He also maintained poise throughout his time on the court. Summer League can be a tough setting to succeed in, as so many players are out there trying to get theirs, not playing team basketball. Despite that, Grant took control whenever he was on the court. He averaged 4.8 assists per game, and showed he can knock down a jumper when needed, making 5-10 from behind the arc.
Grant will more than likely start the season as the backup to Jose Calderon at point guard, but he showcased during the Summer League he can handle point guard duties in this offense when called upon and came away looking like one of the most NBA ready rookies in this class.
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