When most basketball fans heard that Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant would take one of the last remaining 2021 Olympic roster spots on Team USA, it came as a surprise … probably ven to Grant.
Three years ago, some basketball fans may have not even heard of the NBA’s emerging star’s. Jerami Grant is the only player on the United States’ roster I can confidently say that about. But he might. and should, gain the most from the trip to Tokyo in late July.
Although there are a bunch of obvious positives, electing to play in the Olympics does come at a risk.
Playing competitive (depending on who the matchups are) basketball during the offseason can alter a career. In 2014, Paul Geroge broke his tibia during a Team USA scrimmage and only played six games the following season. But for Grant, it could be the thing that pushes him over the top to be a true NBA star.
Then playing in Detroit alongside Cade Cunningham and other talented youngsters won’t hurt.
The Olympics will improve Grant’s value to the Detroit Pistons as well.
Entering the 2021-22 NBA season, even without Grant’s improvement, Detroit will be in a good spot, but Tokyo will just bolster an already exciting team on the rise. Having a player who participated in the Olympics brings a special quality to the Pistons roster.
Assuming Grant stays healthy, only good things can be brought to Detroit.
So lets run down three reasons playing in the Olympics will help Jerami Grant.