Detroit Pistons free agency: Cam Johnson or Jerami Grant?
The Skills
Both of these players are big, two-way forwards who can play either spot.
When it comes to offense, both can hit 3-point shots at a high clip, as both made just over 40 percent this past season on a similar number of attempts per game.
The biggest difference between the two is that Grant is much better at creating his own shot and can be a primary facilitator at times. Even though he started to defer more at the end of his time with Detroit, and certainly when he was with Portland, that’s something he has in his bag, which could be important if the Pistons were to suffer another injury.
Grant is also the better defender, as he can handle both forward spots with his length, though Johnson is not a traffic cone by any means. Johnson does average more steals, but Grant is a better weak side shot blocker and can really cover a lot of ground on the perimeter or interior with his winspan.
Johnson has been the better 3-point shooter for his career, but Grant was very good last season playing off the ball alongside Damian Lillard.
Grant’s playmaking ability sets him apart on offense and he is the better defender, so I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he is the superior all-around player.
Advantage: Grant