Jerian Grant getting a well-deserved chance with Chicago Bulls starters

Jerian Grant has the tools to fit with the starters. He will get a shot to prove his worth heading into tonight’s game in Orlando.

The Chicago Bulls are a bit of an organizational mess right now. Think of a classroom full first graders. They aren’t in kindergarten anymore, moving from the lowest spot on the elementary school power rankings to the second lowest. They’re practically adults in their own minds. While they feel they are mature, chaos still fills the room. The fresh out of college teacher looks across the room, still trying to figure out why he or she hasn’t mastered this group of uncontrollable youth.

Fred Hoiberg is the teacher in this scenario; can’t you just imagine him serenading a group of six year olds with an acoustic guitar? Hoiberg has a glut of young talent to work with, but hasn’t seemed to figure out how to mix and match them with older pieces to make the roster work. In each crowded classroom of loud-mouthed youngsters, there are the standouts. The bright young mind that has certain abilities to allow them to be a flourishing student. The tricky part is picking them out when the classroom is so dense with others. They have yet to master what makes them special, making it difficult to get noticed while surrounded by others also craving individual attention.

How do the young ones find a way to stand out? Sometimes they just have to be put in the right scenario. Jerian Grant has been on a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to getting playing time. Grant received a DNP in three of the last five games, so it’s fair to argue that he’s not sure what his minutes will look like from night to night.

I like to consider this a play in “semi-transition.” It’s not a fast break but the defense isn’t quite set yet. Grant is good in these scenarios and fits the theoretical Hoiball model of pushing the pace. He is able to put his head down and get to the rim before the defense can set up. Again, Grant does well when the defense is moving.

Grant doesn’t posses superior athleticism or skill to create in ISO situations. Here he tries to post up a smaller guard and it ends badly. The defense is set and Grants man is able to body him into an ugly shot.

Considering the lack of direction Coach Hoiberg has going for his point guard spot, I think it’d be a good idea to pair the unproven first grader with the star student, Butler, and the starting lineup. Grant won’t be shouldered with major ball handling duties and we could really seem him accelerate playing off the ball beside people who are going to get the defense moving. His ability to knock down open jumpers will be crucial in this role, though I think an extended role with the starters will leave him with extra space and confidence.