The Portland Trail Blazers overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-108, with key contributions from Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija, and Jrue Holiday, while the Lakers struggled with poor shooting and turnovers, especially without LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
The Portland Trail Blazers face key questions in training camp regarding Jerami Grant's role and the team's financial flexibility, with emerging players like Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara potentially impacting Grant's position and future team extensions, all amid cap space considerations and rookie contract deadlines.
The Portland Trail Blazers fell short against the New Orleans Pelicans, with Jerami Grant leading the Blazers with 24 points and Deandre Ayton contributing 18 points and 17 rebounds. Portland's playmaking guards struggled, while Brandon Ingram's performance highlighted the Pelicans' advantage in height and talent. The Blazers face the Minnesota Timberwolves next.
The shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers blew a 23-point lead and lost to the Detroit Pistons in overtime, with Jerami Grant scoring a career-high 49 points for the Pistons. Anfernee Simons also played well but exited the game due to an ankle sprain, leaving the Blazers even more shorthanded. Despite the loss, observations were made about players' performances, trade deadline games, team rebuilding, and the need for younger players to get more minutes.
Despite Jerami Grant's career-high 49 points, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 128-122 in overtime. Grant's heroic performance was not enough to overcome the Pistons' dominating play, led by center Jalen Duren's 27 points and 22 rebounds. Anfernee Simons' ankle injury and the absence of key players hindered the Blazers, allowing Detroit to outplay them in crunch time and secure the surprising victory.
The Portland Trail Blazers secured a 118-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers, with head coach Chauncey Billups praising the team's execution of the game plan and their discipline in guarding the Pacers. Billups also expressed relief that Scoot Henderson's injury was not a concussion and highlighted the complementary play of Jerami Grant and Jabari Walker in the starting lineup. Despite the lack of 3-point shots, the Blazers focused on attacking the paint and getting to the free throw line, leading to their second consecutive win.
The Portland Trail Blazers fell short in a fourth-quarter rally against the Washington Wizards, losing 118-117. Despite a strong performance from Anfernee Simons, who scored 41 points including 22 in the fourth period, the Blazers couldn't overcome their defensive struggles and missed opportunities. Jerami Grant also had a solid game with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. The Wizards capitalized on Portland's defensive lapses and held on for the victory. The Blazers will face the Golden State Warriors in their next game.
The Portland Trail Blazers lost to the Sacramento Kings in overtime despite a season-high 38 points from Jerami Grant. The Blazers were hindered by the early loss of Malcom Brogdon to a hamstring injury. Skylar Mays stepped up with 18 points and 11 assists in his extended playing time. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. Deandre Ayton impressed defensively for the Blazers, while the team's lack of depth ultimately proved costly.
The Portland Trail Blazers secured their first win of the season with a 99-91 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Despite struggling with shooting and turnovers from their young guards, the Blazers were carried by their frontcourt players, including Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton. Portland's interior defense and defensive rebounding remain areas of concern, but they showed improvement in defending the three-point line. Deandre Ayton's dominant rebounding performance and key offensive rebounds in crunch time were instrumental in securing the win. The Blazers' bench also made significant contributions, with Malcolm Brogdon, Jabari Walker, and Toumari Camara providing valuable minutes. Despite the win, the Blazers still have room for improvement as the season progresses.
The Portland Trail Blazers have made significant roster moves in preparation for the upcoming season, particularly in the forward positions. Jerami Grant stands out as the team's primary forward, known for his scoring, shooting, and defensive abilities. However, the lack of experienced forwards on the roster poses challenges, especially in terms of rebounding. The Blazers have also added Ish Wainwright and several young hopefuls to the mix, including Jabari Walker and rookie Toumani Camara. Overall, the forward positions remain a weak spot for the team, and their success may depend on Grant's performance or potential trades in the future.
The Detroit Pistons have made low-key trades to bring back the expiring contracts of two veterans, disappointing fans who were hoping for a big offseason move. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers are already regretting their decision to sign Jerami Grant to a $160 million contract, as Damian Lillard has requested a trade. Grant may now become a trade candidate, and the Pistons could potentially be interested. Additionally, the Pistons have expressed interest in free agent Torrey Craig, who had a successful season under new Pistons coach Monty Williams.
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed Jerami Grant to a five-year, $160 million contract, despite Damian Lillard's request to be traded. Grant's impressive deal is seen as necessary for the Blazers, as they may soon be under the salary cap due to Lillard's likely departure. Grant's contributions on both ends of the court, particularly on defense, make him a valuable asset. While the contract may seem large, it is justifiable for a versatile forward in his prime. If Grant performs well, he could be traded for a decent return in the future.
Damian Lillard's trade request will not affect the Portland Trail Blazers' plans to sign free agent Jerami Grant to a 5-year, $160 million contract. The Blazers can still utilize Grant's services and potentially include him in future trades, but losing him would leave them without salary cap room or a natural replacement.
The Portland Trail Blazers made several moves on the first day of NBA free agency, including re-signing Jerami Grant and extending a qualifying offer to Matisse Thybulle. These moves were aimed at keeping the roster around Damian Lillard stable and improving the team's defense. However, rumors of James Harden potentially leaving the Philadelphia 76ers and Draymond Green re-signing with the Golden State Warriors could impact Lillard's future. The Blazers also let go of several players, including Trendon Watford, which raised questions about their plans. The Raptors' backcourt spending spree could provide an opportunity for the Blazers to make a trade for players like OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam. Overall, it remains to be seen how these moves will ultimately affect Lillard's future in Portland.
Jerami Grant has agreed to re-sign with the Trail Blazers on a five-year, $160 million contract, turning down a previous offer from Portland. The deal includes a fifth year, significantly increasing its total value. Grant's signing leaves the Blazers with room below the luxury tax line and additional resources to build around Damian Lillard. While Grant brings versatility and talent, the commitment to a player who has never been an All-Star is a significant investment. Grant's journey from a second-round pick to a 20-point scorer showcases his development and improvement in the league.