The 2020-21 versions of Jerami Grant and Gordon Hayward have much in common. Both were role players on conference finalists last season. Both had contract options for this season that they declined to become free agents. Both signed huge contracts with Eastern Conference bottom dwellers.
And both deals were widely criticized, including here. Hayward’s four-year, $120 million deal in Charlotte seemed out of line given his age and recent injury history, while Grant’s three-year, $60 million with Detroit put a valuation on his output that he’d never approached in six pro seasons.
Fast forward to late January and they may have one other thing in common: A place on the Eastern Conference All-Star team. While their efforts alone haven’t been enough to drag Charlotte and Detroit from their usual perches near the bottom of the East table, the play of each has been a revelation. Thus far, both the Hornets and Pistons are getting their money’s…
