It’s been a long offseason, but we are finally in single digits as the Thunder tip-off their season in just nine days. Today, we celebrate how close we are by taking a look at jersey #9 for the Thunder, Jerami Grant.
Jerami Grant arrived in Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season in a trade from Philadelphia that sent Ersan Illyasova and a 2020 first-round draft pick to the 76ers. Grant was an instant hit with Thunder fans due to his crazy athletic ability which he utilizes for blocks that are reminiscent of Serge Ibaka and some of the more ridiculous dunks that Oklahoma residents have ever seen.
One of the more memorable dunks for Grant last season in a matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Pretty much everybody wanted to play their best game against the Warriors for a number of reasons, but the primary reason was the opportunity to play against Kevin Durant. After tipping a rebound to Russell Westbrook, Jerami Grant ran the floor to receive a pass back from Westbrook. Grant grabbed the pass, took a couple dribbles, then went up to posterize Durant, almost as if to make a statement that a new era was beginning for the Thunder.
The Warriors would go on to win the game, but Thunder fans everywhere loved seeing the confidence and tenacity of the young Jerami Grant. Grant would go on to be a decent contribution for Oklahoma City, averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 19.1 minutes per game. This season, Grant’s usage is likely to increase as it appears the Thunder will probably go with a small-ball lineup more often than they have in seasons past. Either way, Grant will be ready at any given moment to rise up and throw down one of his notorious monstrous dunks that help Loud City earn its name.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter and Instagram.
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