From second-round draft pick to Olympic gold medalist and NBA star
In short: Jerami Grant's journey through the NBA is a masterclass in professional evolution. After being selected 39th overall in 2014, he transitioned from a guard to a small forward, eventually securing an Olympic gold medal and a massive $160 million contract through sheer persistence and scoring prowess.
Born on March 12, 1994, Jerami Grant entered the professional basketball landscape as a highly touted prospect. In 2012, ESPN.com ranked him as the No. 11 power forward and the 37th player in the nation. Following an impressive time at Syracuse University, averaging 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds throughout the 2013–14 season, he entered the NBA draft and skipped his remaining two years of eligibility.
Grant's NBA career began in the second round of the 2014 draft when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 39th overall pick. His early years were marked by defensive flashes, such as recording eight blocks in a single game against the New York Knicks in January 2015. As he moved through franchises like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, his offensive capabilities expanded significantly.
His scoring ceiling reached new heights in the early 2020s. While playing for the Detroit Pistons, he scored a career-high 43 points against the Chicago Bulls in February 2021, leading to a Most Improved Player award nomination. He later achieved a career-high 49 points against the Detroit Pistons in February 2024 while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. In addition to personal awards, Grant achieved global success, securing a gold medal while playing for the 2020 U.S. Olympic squad.
The Grant family legacy is deeply rooted in basketball. He is the son of Harvey Grant and Beverly Grant, and his uncle, Horace Grant, is a four-time NBA champion. Jerami's professional success has also led him into business, including becoming a minority owner of the MLS team D.C. United in May 2024.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jerami Grant
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