Jerian Grant: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile
![Mar 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) reacts during the second half against the Wichita State Shockers in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Mar 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) reacts during the second half against the Wichita State Shockers in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c29646a830ca33e146b45bb833821ed3b2a817925d2fd5290df12d1a48e3abd3.jpg)
Potential Fit
Grant’s ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, to work the pick and roll and to slash to the rim off the ball makes him a good theoretical fit with the Suns.
“I know they like to get up and down and kind of have two point guards that can handle the ball, something that I’ve kind of played my whole life, so definitely a spot I can see myself fitting in,” Grant said after his pre-draft workout in Phoenix.
He’s certainly not wrong, especially if he’s drafted by a team like the Suns that goes bonkers over that kind of backcourt versatility. Keep in mind, as often as both sides have said all the right things about re-signing Brandon Knight, that won’t happen until July. Restricted agency has proven to be tricky in the past with Bledsoe, so a little insurance might be nice.
The common problem that arises with selecting a point guard in this year’s draft is that the Suns could probably find the backup they need in free agency. However, adding an experienced leader who isn’t completely raw might be good for a younger team that doesn’t need any more positional overlap or another swing-for-the-fences type player.
Grant’s three-point shot definitely needs to improve so that he can consistently knock down looks from the NBA line, but it’s also worth noting that his unselfish nature — a perceived weakness to other teams — might actually benefit a Suns team that has far too many shoot-first players and not enough pass-first floor generals.
“I think I have a high basketball IQ,” Grant said. “I really study the game, I’ve been around it my whole life, so just making the right plays, knowing what plays to make and how to take care of the ball I think is important.”
Next: Conclusion