Jerian Grant, who reached an agreement last month to play in China after four years in the NBA, may no longer be wanted by his new team, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. The Qingdao Eagles are considering releasing Grant before he ever takes the court for them.
Grant began last season as the backup point guard for the Magic, but slid down the rotation as the year progressed. Shooting woes were among the reasons for his demotion, as he hit just just 41.8% from the field and is a career 41.2% shooter. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.6 assists in 60 games.
Grant was taken by the Wizards with the 19th pick in 2015 and shipped to the Knicks in a three-team trade on draft night. He lasted just one season in New York before being dealt to the Bulls, who sent him to Orlando in 2018. The Magic decided in June not to extend a qualifying offer to Grant, making him an unrestricted free agent.
With training camps set to open in a few days, there may not be any immediate opportunities available for Grant in the NBA. If the Chinese deal falls through, he will likely try to find another opening overseas.
The team may GRANT him his release ?
Badda Bing!
This means he’s shooting VERY bad so far and hasn’t shown them any reason for them to think it’ll improve anytime soon. Unlike other places abroad where they have their own players that can shoot/score, or another import player(s) who can, in China it’s imperative that their American player(s) get buckets. They are the marquee players. They don’t need them leading the league in supplemental stats. Points… then contribute wherever else you can. And win.
I guess basketball is not all genetic.
Perfect fit for the Lakers!