They are probably similar players. Both were ok shooters, soft as a babys bottom around the hoop, pretty versatile on defense.
Maybe I just dont remember very well because Ive pickled my brain but Gant just seemed like he was an explosive jumper. JJ seems like he has ankle weights on alot of the time.
Both can be important parts of a good team, as long as they arent asked to do things they arent capable of, ie Gant taking the 3 pointer at the buzzer against Cal a few years back. Still cant believe that was the play we drew up that night...
THIS
Gant was money with the base line jumper.
And an amazing defender.
JJ doesnt have a signature/go to move yet. And he's not as good on defense.
Gant was an explosive jumper. He ran the floor well and finished a lot of easy dunks as a result.
I'm too lazy to look at their block numbers, but Gant definitely made more difficult blocks (against fast breaks) whereas JJ's height advantage allows him to just stick his arms straight up and alter shots.
To me Gant's biggest strength is that he knew his role on a championship caliber team. JJ doesn't yet.
RoadDawg could be right if JJ improves a lot next year. But at this point, Gant had a better career.
Gant did have a better career, but I still think you over value him. He wasn't a great defender. He was a good and willing team defender, but hardly a shut down guy and his lack of size/strength down low hurt at times.
JJ is a much better shot blocker. 1.2 this year so far for JJ. Gant's highest was .5 per game. JJ is rebounding better than Gant ever did too. I bet JJ's block and rebounds keep increasing as his knee gets better.
Both guys are average, but I would take JJ over Gant. Two inches taller, longer wingspan, slightly more skilled (the guard talk was always FS), better shot blocker and rebounder. Gant was a more versatile defender, more explosive, and had more range although JJ has a decent jumper too.
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