OKC Thunder: Paul George believes Jerami Grant is OKC’s “X factor”
By Brayden Koch
In his first full season as a starter for the OKC Thunder, Jerami Grant is proving his worth, gaining the trust and praise of his teammates
If you ask a non-Thunder, NBA fan, to name three OKC players, it’s unlikely Jerami Grant is one of them. Grant has flown “under the radar” for the OKC Thunder as some people may say. Despite the recognition he receives, he has found a way to consistently show up and impact the game, whether it’s offensively or defensively.
In a recent interview with Erik Horne of the Oklahoman, Paul George commented on Jerami Grant’s recent jump in play and how it has helped the Thunder continue to compete at a high level.
Paul George on the jump Jerami Grant has made from last season to now: “I’ve been preaching, he’s the X-factor.” pic.twitter.com/t9gT2MasWc
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) March 28, 2019
Swiss army knife
Throughout the season, Jerami Grant has been the Swiss army knife for the Thunder contributing across all statistical categories. With his superb finishing ability, accompanied by his improved three-point shooting, Grant spreads the floor terrifically for OKC. From a mediocre 29 percent shooting percentage from deep last year, he has improved to 38.8 percent. Not to mention Jerami’s efficiency on the defensive end has been nothing short of excellent.
In the 2017-2018 season Jerami Grant accumulated only one twenty point game while coming off the bench for Carmelo Anthony. Now, in a role where he’s bound to succeed, Grant has had nine outings in which he’s scored 20 or more points.
Final Thought
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Throughout his time in OKC, we’ve been able to see Jerami develop from a crafty rim protector to a versatile stretch four. Grant has mastered the corner three, along with making some of the most acrobatic layups I’ve ever seen.
With the playoffs less than two weeks away, the Thunder need Grant to continue his high level of play and remain the “X factor” if they are going to make a deep run in the post-season.
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Now being the primary power forward for the OKC Thunder, expect Jerami Grant to serve an important role in this years playoffs.