Is Aaron Gordon a suitable replacement for Jerami Grant?
Why Denver makes the deal
Denver actually wins the deal, basically giving up a late first-round pick to upgrade their roster
There’s not much likelihood that Denver will perform worse than Orlando in the regular season for the foreseeable future, so the Magic being able to swap first-round picks really means nothing barring a major injury to a Nuggets star.
The transition from Ennis to Craig is basically a wash as both players are trustworthy defenders and know how to move the ball but are generally below-average three-point shooters.
Craig is a bit more consistent finishing inside and shown a knack for getting blocks but Ennis is a bigger threat in transition because of his speed and leaping ability, while being a more reliable free-throw shooter and a bit better on the defensive glass.
| Player | Season | Age | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrey Craig | 2019-20 | 29 | 18.5 | 2.1 | 4.6 | .461 | 0.8 | 2.4 | .326 | 0.4 | 0.6 | .611 | 1.1 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 5.4 |
| James Ennis | 2019-20 | 29 | 18.3 | 2.3 | 5.2 | .446 | 0.8 | 2.4 | .325 | 1.1 | 1.4 | .806 | 1.0 | 3.6 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 6.6 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 10/7/2020.
| Player | Season | Age | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrey Craig | 2019-20 | 29 | 1072 | 124 | 269 | .461 | 45 | 138 | .326 | 22 | 36 | .611 | 63 | 126 | 189 | 47 | 23 | 36 | 315 |
| James Ennis | 2019-20 | 29 | 1265 | 160 | 359 | .446 | 55 | 169 | .325 | 79 | 98 | .806 | 71 | 174 | 245 | 63 | 35 | 22 | 454 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 10/7/2020.
When it comes to replacing Grant with Gordon, again, the improvement in athleticism is readily apparent. Though Grant is a smooth athlete, Gordon has elite explosiveness. Explosiveness that will come in handy as Denver improves their transition offense, but also in the halfcourt with cuts, pick-and-rolls and drives to the rim.
Gordon’s athleticism is also part of the reason why his rebounding numbers dwarf Grant’s although the other aspect is a sheer willingness to attack the boards; one of Denver’s main issues in the 2020 Western Conference Finals. That said, Gordon is also a better playmaker than Grant, throwing dimes to his teammates in a variety of ways.
On the other end, both players use their length and athleticism to make a significant impact and guard multiple positions.
| Player | Season | Age | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Gordon | 2019-20 | 24 | 32.5 | 5.4 | 12.4 | .437 | 1.2 | 3.8 | .308 | 2.4 | 3.6 | .674 | 1.7 | 7.7 | 3.7 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 14.4 |
| Jerami Grant | 2019-20 | 25 | 26.6 | 4.3 | 8.9 | .478 | 1.4 | 3.5 | .389 | 2.1 | 2.8 | .750 | 0.8 | 3.5 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 12.0 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 10/7/2020.
However, Grant is the better jump shooter, from all areas of the floor. At just 25-years-old though, there’s plenty of time for Gordon to improve that aspect of his game.
light. Related Story. A sign-and-trade scenario that sends Grants to the Hawks
What do you think? Is this a fair trade for both sides? Let us know on Twitter @Nugg_Love.
