Sleeper signing? Why Panathinaikos fans should be excited about Jerian Grant / News - Basketnews.com

URBONUS co-host Errick McCollum believes Jeriant Grant will be a very useful addition because of his ability to create, defend, and play pick-and-roll, among other things.

Credit: Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Panathinaikos Athens announced Monday that they had signed Jerian Grant to a one-year contract. While the signing was overshadowed by Kostas Sloukas' transfer bomb, Errick McCollum, co-host of the URBONUS podcast, explained why this might be an underrated EuroLeague market move.

Jerian Grant

Position:SGAge:30Height:196 cmWeight:93 kgBirth place:Maryland, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

During a recent URBONUS episode, McCollum mentioned Grant's name in a discussion about who could replace Dante Exum in Partizan Belgrade.

"I have a sleeper thought for them. I think he would be perfect. He played in the EuroCup this year, took his team to the finals, and made the Turkish League semifinals. That's Jerian Grant," McCollum praised his opponent in the Turkish league semifinal series, where Karsiyaka Izmir defeated Turk Telekom Ankara.

"He's 6'4, he's strong, he gets to the hole, he can play pick and roll, he can create, and he can defend. He was the ultimate leader of their team this year and carried them. He also comes from a basketball pedigree, with his brother playing for the Portland Trail Blazers and his other brother playing overseas. I was really impressed with them," McCollum continued.

A 1.96 m tallguard became the MVP of the EuroCup season, averaging 14.9 points (54% 2P, 30% 3P), 3.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 33 minutes.

"With Grant, you've got a guy who's getting downhill and will help you get in the bonus. He can also handle the demands of helping to lead the team. And he won't have to do nearly as much at Partizan because they have more playmakers and creators, so it'll be easier for him," McCollum commented on Grant's fit in Partizan.

Panathinaikos will also have solid playmakers with Kostas Sloukas, Luka Vildoza, and potentially other elite-level signings in Athens.

"I've seen him carry a team this year and was highly impressed. I like what he does on the court," McCollum concluded.

Grant already has EuroLeague experience. In the 2021-22 season, the American played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and averaged 2.8 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 12 minutes of play.

However, Grant has yet to show his true potential to EuroLeague fans.

"Milan is a tricky place. A lot of guys go there, and they never find the confidence or forget how to play basketball. Then guys leave, and they refresh," McCollum explained.

"When Grant left Milan, he got his feet under him. He started to adjust and was comfortable with who he was and what he needed. I think now that's the next step. It's kind of like Dante Exum and Barcelona. He was a shell of himself. It was like two different players. The guy I've seen at Partizan, I was like, 'Oh, that's a player!' And then he played in Barcelona, I was wondering if that guy was really drafted fifth. You see the balance, and it's all about the system and if the coach feels confidence in you. Some places are difficult to play," McCollum concluded.

Grant went to Athens, not Belgrade. Only time will tell if Ergin Ataman is the right coach to bring out the best in Grant and if the player will take the next step in Athens.

But Jerian Grant definitely brings interesting qualities to establish himself as a EuroLeague material.

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