Jerami Grant Shakes Off Label Most Blazers Fans Expected

The Portland Trail Blazers have kicked off their season with a record of 1-1. Their journey has included a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves and a decisive victory over the Golden State Warriors. A standout performer in these initial games has been veteran forward Jerami Grant, who is shaking off previous doubts.

Jerami Grant’s Impressive Start

Jerami Grant, previously averaging 14.4 points on 37.3% shooting during the last season, has shown significant improvement. Starting the season, he faced competition from Shaedon Sharpe for a spot in the lineup. Despite being just 31 years old, Grant appears ready to regain his former performance level after a lackluster season in 2024-25.

Strong Performances

• 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• 22 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the victory over the Golden State Warriors.

These performances indicate a promising turnaround, especially after Grant’s struggles with efficiency last season. His body language and media comments suggested disappointment regarding his initial bench role, which he expressed during media day.

Impact on Team Strategy

As Grant continues to excel, interim head coach Tiago Splitter may need to reassess the starting lineup. His resurgence not only affects his position on the team but also plays a crucial role in enhancing his market value across the league.

Contract Considerations

The Blazers signed Grant to a substantial five-year, $160 million contract in 2023. They still owe him more than $103 million over the next three seasons. This creates challenges for the team regarding potential trades, as they would likely need to offer significant assets to attract a trade partner.

While moving Grant seemed difficult initially, his recent performances might reshape perceptions. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Milwaukee Bucks could overlook his financial commitment in exchange for an experienced player. As his market value improves, the Blazers’ future outlook becomes more optimistic.

Overall, Jerami Grant is no longer regarded as the least appealing contract in the league. This alone presents a substantial shift for the Portland Trail Blazers as they look toward the future.