Former Arizona Wildcat Grant Jerrett trying to catch on with Clippers

LAS VEGAS — While several former Arizona Wildcats are trying to establish their names in NBA Summer League, none have more professional experience than power forward Grant Jerrett.

Jerrett left UA after the 2013 season, when he averaged 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds off the bench. He was drafted in the second round by the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jerrett then alternated between the Tulsa 66ers, Thunder’s G League team, and Oklahoma City.

In 2015, Jerrett was traded to Utah, but was waived by the start of the season and after a stint with the Canton Charge in 2016, Cavaliers’ G League squad, he went overseas to play for the Beijing Ducks in China.

Now, Jerrett is playing for the Los Angeles Clippers’ Summer League team. So far, Jerrett has averaged four points and seven rebounds in Las Vegas, and has been the starting power forward in each game.

Jerrett and the Clippers have finished the first round of NBA Summer League games and will return to action in a tournament for the championship on Wednesday.

The Star caught up with Jerrett for a few minutes, and here’s what he had to say:

How is NBA Summer League treating you?

A: “It’s all right. It’s my second one, first time here in Vegas so it’s been interesting. My first Summer League I was in Orlando.”

What’s life been like between your first Summer :eague and this year?

A: “It’s been good. Just been busy and trying to stay healthy. I’m just trying to enjoy it.”

You went and played overseas too right?

A: “I went to China.”

How was that?

A: “It was fun, I got to play with (Stephon) Marbury. That was real fun so I got to see what that was like and it was the first time I played overseas.

Is Stephon Marbury the Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan of China?

A: “In order it goes Jackie Chan, Yao Ming, Stephon Marbury. He’s got a statue, his own museum, he’s real big time out there.”

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

What are you trying to accomplish mostly to get back into the NBA?

A: “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get back. Whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to do it, so anything I can do to get back.”

How did the Clippers opportunity fall onto your plate?

A: “Just through mini-camp and they invited me here so I’m just trying to make the best of it and hopefully I can get a roster spot.”

What part of your game separates yourself from the others, which could help you get a roster spot?

A: “I pick and pop, rebound, deep defend. We have a lot of scorers so I try to do everything else.”

Have you stayed in contact with any of your former Arizona teammates?

A: “I still talk to some of my old teammates like Gabe (York) and Brandon (Ashley). I talk to them regularly to try and see what they’re up to.”

Do you still keep in touch with Sean Miller at all?

A: “Not as much. I talk coach Book (Richardson) occasionally, but not as much, because I know they’re busy.”

What did you think about Arizona’s alleged involvement in the pay-for-play scandal investigated by the FBI?

A: “I thought it was crazy, it was stupid. We got a lot of bigger things in the world than investigating some basketball teams. It’s not like they’re selling drugs or anything. I didn’t look too much into it, but when I found out and heard about it, I got a little upset.”

Do you think Richardson facing 60 years in prison was unfair for him?

A: “Yeah because Coach Book is such a great guy. There’s nothing negative about him and I love him to death. I miss him and he always treated me like a son and I wish him the best.”

Now that you’re a Clipper, have you been able to converse with head coach Doc Rivers?

A: “Yeah we’ve talked a little bit. I went to training camp and then this. He says shoot it when I’m open and play scrappy, but that’s about it.”