Detroit Pistons: Does Jerami Grant fit the championship timeline?

Detroit Pistons: Jerami Grant can keep Detroit relevant as he ages

If trading Grant to maximize his value and get a young star is not an option. Re-signing him to help mentor this developing team is the next best option.

Again, It is not a guarantee that Jerami Grant can continue playing at a high level into his 30s. Chris Paul and Lebron James are the exceptions, not the rule. But that being said, Grant could still be an effective quality player for Detroit as he ages.

Consider Paul Millsap. Since leaving the Atlanta Hawks as a 32-year-old, Millsap’s play has been on the decline. But the now 35-year-old vet has been helpful to the Nuggets over the past couple of seasons. He was no longer a top option, but he played very well in a reduced but still prominent role.

As he begins to cross into his 30s and Detroit begins to push further towards contention, Grant could very well fill a similar role to Millsap’s on the Nuggets. He may not be the primary, secondary, or even tertiary scorer on any given night, but he can sink his shots and play defense. That could be a similar role that Grant ends up filling once the Pistons begin to contend.

In the meantime, Grant can be a mentor for Cunningham, Hayes, Stewart, and Bey. His near All-Star level play for the next few seasons will also help keep Detroit basketball relevant as they continue their restoration.

By the time Detroit is ready to compete, Grant will not be the same player that he was this past season. But the 27-year-old can still play a very important role for the Pistons once they are ready to go for it all.