Realistic Expectations for Jerian Grant's Rookie Season with New York Knicks

If the Denver Nuggets' Emmanuel Mudiay wins Rookie of the Year, I intend to remind everyone, often, how I ardently urged the New York Knicks to draft him at No. 4 or even No. 1. Oh, the fast-break buckets and points in the paint he would have brought! 

Fortunately, Jerian Grant, the Knicks' Mudiayish No. 19 selection obtained from the Washington Wizards, may yet deliver those things to New York. 

At 6'5" and 198 pounds, Grant is even the same size. After four years at Notre Dame, the 22-year-old Grant also has the poise and court vision that the younger Mudiay has been praised for.

So maybe I should shut up about Mudiay and be grateful for Grant?

Soon enough.

Grant's impact in 2015-16 may be limited though—not by lack of talent or experience but by a veteran point guard clogging up the roster. 

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Once again for those who weren't paying attention: The Knicks ended the season last in points in the paint and fast-break points. Therefore, they need a lead guard who can drive the lane and push the ball in transition. These are areas where Grant shines.

He's been showing these skills off during the Summer League, starting at the 1 spot and helping the team to a 3-0 record thus far. Although he joined the squad with less fanfare than 7'3" No. 4 pick Kristaps Porzingis, Grant looks more NBA-ready. He's averaging 11.3 points, 5 assists, 3.3 rebounds and shooting 39 percent from the field.

(Mudiay's averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and shooting 37 percent for Denver. Sorry, I couldn't help it.)

Grant already created a few new clips for the highlight reel this week. Against the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, he caught a cross-court pass from Langston Galloway, made a powerful drive to the hoop and finished with an acrobatic twist in the air to sink the bucket over defenders.

Against the Los Angeles Lakers Monday, Grant charged downcourt, found Cleanthony Early in transition down low and Early finished with a slam. 

His excellent court vision leads to some very cool pocket passes. He's smart, creative and accurate with his ball movement in general; he knows when and how to use a bounce pass instead of a chest pass. These skills should make him fit in beautifully with the triangle offense.

Not much of a jump-shooter, Grant's points come in the paint and at the line. The San Antonio Spurs gave him 10 free-throw attempts Saturday. Summer League crowds haven't really seen him flash his vertical yet, but the kid's got hops. His Notre Dame highlight reels feature some rim-swinging dunks: 

Grant may have that same combination of physical energy and mental calm displayed last year by Galloway. If Grant maintains that poise, the rookie learning curve won't be so steep for him.

Unfortunately, Grant's impact in the 2015-16 season may be limited by the inconvenient existence of Jose Calderon. Knicks head coach Derek Fisher will probably give the veteran another chance at starting lead guard, despite his disappointing performance last year.

If not Calderon, Galloway could (and possibly should) get the start at the 1 ahead of Grant, with Arron Afflalo at the 2 spot. Grant's poise and talent might earn him a starting position, but I don't see that happening until Calderon has had at least a month to ruin everything. 

There is the possibility the Knicks will trade Calderon—possibly even to the Nuggets, who might be willing to part ways with their talented but troubled point guard Ty Lawson now that they have Mudiay. (Lawson was just arrested on suspicion for DUI for the second time this year, per ESPN.com.) Bringing on another point guard, however, would not increase Grant's playing time.

So, a conservative estimate: Grant will average 6 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound and 1 steal per game. Perfectly respectable for a rook. More importantly, his efforts alone (even off the bench) will lift the Knicks off the very bottom of the ranks in fast-break points and points in the paint.

At the very least, Grant will provide a reprieve from the plodding, snooze-worthy series of shot-clock violations we came to expect from Calderon. Remind yourself of that when you're missing Tim Hardaway Jr.

Follow Sara Peters on Twitter @3FromThe7.