The Detroit Pistons are following the Miami Heat model for team building

Detroit Pistons: Jerami Grant could be like Jimmy Butler for the Pistons

The Leader

The Heat’s current roster is built around small forward Jimmy Butler, a guy who can defend all over the floor, get shots in a variety of ways, rebound and set up his teammates.

Sound familiar?

The Pistons have a similar player in Jerami Grant, who has blown up this year in an expanded role and is playing at an All-NBA level on the wing.

Like Butler, Grant is a tenacious defender who plays big minutes and sets an example for his teammates.

No one thought a team built around Butler and a bunch of young guys was going to make the Finals last year, but Butler’s influence sped up their timeline.

Jerami Grant could speed up Detroit’s in the same way, as his style of play is going to make the young guys better.

Keep in mind that Butler didn’t have his breakout season for the Bulls until he was 25 and has been an All-Star pretty much ever since.

Grant is still just 26 himself and is having a breakout season of his own.

He may never be as good as Butler but the Pistons found a guy with the skills, attitude and position to build around.