Knicks strive to move up

Knicks strive to move up
Associated Press / Kathy Willens

Jerian Grant was known to be a scorer for Notre Dame during his four-year college career. He also can play at other positions on the court and be more of putting the ball in the hoop. The Knicks liked what they saw in the Grant during his time with Notre Dame.

During the draft, New York Knickerbocker President Phil Jackson went to work and decided to make a trade, not a big one, to strengthen the team in order to set the stage for the 2015-16 season.

He sent Tim Hardaway, Jr. to Atlanta for Jerian Grant, who comes from a family of basketball players.

There is another player in the National Basketball Association and is not playing too far from Madison Square Garden. He is Jerami Grant who completed his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014-2015. Jerami became the 39th overall selection last year, and played in the NBA during the fall.

Their father played in the league from the late 1980s to late 1990s. Their uncle played in the league from the late 1980s to 2004.

Basketball is sure in the blood of the Grants.

With his size, speed, backcourt work, and playmaking the ability as well as running the point, Jerian Grant gives the Knicks added strength in the back court.

He excels at giving penetration into the lane and finishing the scoring at the wing position. In addition, he has leaping ability and strength to score or even get fouled.

“I’m extremely excited to go to the (Knicks),” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to go out and for us to get some wins.”

Notre Dame Coach Mike Brey is very impressed with the way Grant played while in college. He has a high basketball technique.

The triangle offense that the Knicks employ has high basketball IQ plyers.

Grant thinks that he is one of those types of players. He picks up on the offense very quickly and he can help his teammates around him.

“We work extremely hard,” he said. “We’re a family that likes to come in and contribute to a team right away. And my Dad and Uncle did it. And my brother did it last year as a rookie. I’m looking forward to contributing to this (Knicks) team.

This rookie is on the same Knick’ squad with Carmelo Anthony, an all-star legend in his own play. The latter is expected to lead the offense, once again. With the quality of players now on the team makes the game and style of play extremely easy.

Anthony’s play making skills and overall offensive play should make it easier for the Knicks to win much more games than they did last year and enter the playoffs rather easily in a tough division.

Overall, Grant is excited to be playing in Madison Square Garden.

“I’ve played there a few times (while in college),” he said. “I’ve had some wins and some great moments. But it’ll be nothing like putting on a Knick jersey and staying in there.”