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3 players who can replace Jerami Grant if he leaves in free agency

By Quenton S. Albertie

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 05: Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 05, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 05: Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 05, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 31: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 31, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 31: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 31, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Josh Jackson

At 6’8″ and 207 pounds, Josh Jackson has similar size to Jerami Grant, who’s listed as 6’8″ and 210 pounds. The similarities don’t extend to wingspan, as Grant has a 7’3″ wingspan and Jackson has a 6’10” wingspan, making J-Jack more of a combo wing than combo forward. However, Jackson has developed a great reputation on the defensive end and he would still have the chance to be called on to slow down the top wings in the league.

On the offensive end, Jackson can do everything that Grant can and it’s worth noting that he averaged 13.1 points per game in his rookie season (Grant’s career-high in scoring (13.6 points per game) was set last season).

He also hit 37.7% of his catch-and-shoot threes for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019-20 season after knocking down 38.2% of his threes (on 6.5 attempts) for the NBA G League’s Memphis Hustle, showing steady growth as an outside shooter over the course of his career.

In fact, his number with the Hustle were impressive in general, as he posted averages of 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.

Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is just 23-years-old and has the potential to be a major piece for the Nuggets if he’s signed in place of Grant. The biggest question about Grant right now isn’t what he can provide on the court if given the opportunity (although his free-throw shooting makes a concern) but if he’s put his immaturity behind him off of the court.

Denver could possibly sign Jackson for $8-9 million per year, about what Grant is making in his current deal.