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
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Jerian Grant
Mar 7, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; iNotre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) slam dunks the ball in the second half of the game against the Clemson Tigers at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat the Clemson Tigers by the score of 81-67. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

The Suns need a backup point guard and adding some insurance in the event of Brandon Knight’s departure would also be nice. But Phoenix seems pretty dedicated to bringing back Knight and even if the Suns still need a backup at that position, they could address that position in free agency.

What the Suns really need is a power forward who can help on the glass, bring some toughness to the paint and (hopefully) spread the floor with a perimeter shot. Grant is an extremely well-rounded prospect, but it feels like the Suns would be making a bit of a reach if they took him at No. 13.

Grant’s ability to play both guard positions makes him a great theoretical fit, but it’s hard to see how he’d be the best player available by the time the Suns pick. If Phoenix really wants a point guard, Cameron Payne might wind up being a better option — even if he’s more of a pure point guard.

At the end of the day, it’d be better for the Suns to take a power forward or a pure shooter (like Devin Booker, for example) in the draft. If the Suns were picking a few spots later, Grant might be Phoenix’s best option. But at No. 13, taking another combo guard — even an experienced, intelligent, athletic and versatile one like Jerian Grant — might not be the ideal option.

Next: Cameron Payne: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

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