HT: 6-9 | WT: 250 | AGE: 28 |YR: 7
REBS: 10.6 | CAREER REBS: 7.7
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com
Brian Grant is not as big as Chris Webber. He's really an undersized forward at a true 6-8 to Webber's 6-10-plus. But as a rebounder, Grant is much more adept at using his body. He's tough and tenacious, a physical, banging player who uses his strength to get to the boards.
Webber has the size, the big hands and a little better jumping ability. But I like Grant's rebounding because the guy who is physically tougher will get the rebounds when it comes to crunch time. He uses his lower body to move guys out of the way and he's able to get rebounds both offensively and defensively. Webber is a good defensive rebounder but doesn't hit the offensive glass like Grant does.
Pat Riley was surprised to find that Brian Grant could make the 15-17 foot outside jumpshot. His hands are good and he's a dedicated player. He works hard, he competes. But he can play the power game, he can post up.
Grant is the physical, power player who is a throwback to the old notion of a power forward. |
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HT: 6-10 | WT: 245 | AGE: 27 | YR: 8
REBS: 11.2 | CAREER REBS: 10.1
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com
Although he and Brian Grant are comparable as rebounders, Chris Webber is a more active player and a superior leaper.
Webber regularly converts rebounds into fast-break opportunities. He has the ability to rebound, get the ball quickly to the outlet man and get involved in the fast break. Or Webber, who is a solid ballhandler, will take the ball out of defensive end and start a fast break himself. He averages four assists a game and has a positive assist-turnover ratio. Rebounding is just one phase of the transition game for him.
Grant is a workhorse, a strong, tough-minded player who outfights people inside. But while Grant is playing extremely well in Miami under adverse conditions, I have to give Webber the edge. He is so quick and agile and the better natural talent, while Grant has to work for it more.
Webber is a superstar. Although it would be hard for him to beat out the unbelievable duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, Webber is certainly an MVP candidate.
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