LAS VEGAS β 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, Thunderβs 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, Cavaliersβ G League squad, he went overseas to play for the Beijing Ducks in China.
Now, Jerrett is playing for the Los Angeles Clippersβ 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 hereβs what he had to say:
Grant Jerrett played overseas after brief stints with both the Thunder and Jazz G League affiliates.
How is NBA Summer League treating you?
A: βItβs all right. Itβs my second one, first time here in Vegas so itβs been interesting. My first Summer League I was in Orlando.β
Whatβs life been like between your first Summer :eague and this year?
A: βItβs been good. Just been busy and trying to stay healthy. Iβm just trying to enjoy it.β
You went and played overseas too right?
A: βI went to China.β
How was that?
A: βIt 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: βIn order it goes Jackie Chan, Yao Ming, Stephon Marbury. Heβs got a statue, his own museum, heβs real big time out there.β
What are you trying to accomplish mostly to get back into the NBA?
A: βIβm just trying to do whatever I can to get back. Whatever they ask me to do, Iβm going to do it, so anything I can do to get back.β
How did the Clippers opportunity fall onto your plate?
A: βJust through mini-camp and they invited me here so Iβm just trying to make the best of it and hopefully I can get a roster spot.β
What part of your game separates yourself from the others, which could help you get a roster spot?
A: βI pick and pop, rebound, deep defend. We have a lot of scorers so I try to do everything else.β
Have you stayed in contact with any of your former Arizona teammates?
A: βI still talk to some of my old teammates like Gabe (York) and Brandon (Ashley). I talk to them regularly to try and see what theyβre up to.β
Do you still keep in touch with Sean Miller at all?
A: βNot as much. I talk coach Book (Richardson) occasionally, but not as much, because I know theyβre busy.β
What did you think about Arizonaβs alleged involvement in the pay-for-play scandal investigated by the FBI?
A: βI thought it was crazy, it was stupid. We got a lot of bigger things in the world than investigating some basketball teams. Itβs not like theyβre selling drugs or anything. I didnβt look too much into it, but when I found out and heard about it, I got a little upset.β
Do you think Richardson facing 60 years in prison was unfair for him?
A: βYeah because Coach Book is such a great guy. Thereβs 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.β
Now that youβre a Clipper, have you been able to converse with head coach Doc Rivers?
A: βYeah weβve talked a little bit. I went to training camp and then this. He says shoot it when Iβm open and play scrappy, but thatβs about it.β
