Jerian Grant Says He's Right Guy To Lead Knicks' Triangle Offense
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Knicks fans didn't like their team's first selection in Thursday night's NBA Draft. But the boos after New York took Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis turned to cheers when the Knicks traded guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to Atlanta for the rights to Notre Dame guard Jerian Grant.
Grant was picked at No. 19 with a selection that originally belonged to the Washington Wizards.
"I feel like I get them open looks and make the guys around me better, so we'll be ready to compete right away," said Grant, whose father is former NBA forward Harvey Grant. "The triangle has high basketball IQ players, and I think I'm one of those. I pick up on the offense really quickly and help the guys around me."
Grant played four years for the Irish, averaging 14.6 points and 5.8 assists in his career. He led Notre Dame in scoring last season, averaging 16.5 points and his 6.7 assists were seventh-most in the nation.
"It was a surprise — but it was a good surprise," Harvey Grant said, according to the New York Post. "If he comes in and does what he's supposed to do, they're going to love him here. I guarantee the fans in New York, once they see him work, they'll fall in love with him."
Hardaway, the 24th pick in the 2013 draft, averaged 11.5 points in 70 games last season. He was reportedly at odds with Knicks star Carmelo Anthony early last season.
"We've had our eye on him for a while," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said of Hardaway. "He's been somebody we've kind of watched and has shown in two years he can contribute. I think he can do that for us."
New York made another deal for the rights to Spanish center Guillermo Hernangomez from the Philadelphia 76ers, according to a Knicks official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been finalized by the league.
Philadelphia received two future second round picks for Hernangomez. He played with the last two seasons with No. 4 pick Porzingis, averaging 10.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 31 games last season. Hernangomez will play next season in Spain, the Knicks official said.
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