Portland Trail Blazers: 5 takeaways from 2018 NBA Summer League
By Ty Delbridge
4. Jake Layman‘s shooting
Jake Layman’s final year on his contract was non-guaranteed, and many believed the Blazers would not bring him back. But when the deadline came to release him or bring him back, the Blazers picked up his final year for $1.5 million. Now entering into his third season in the NBA, Layman is looking the best he ever has in a Trail Blazers jersey.
During Summer League, Layman played with a ton of confidence and was tied for first on the Blazers in scoring. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from the 3-point line.
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Layman is an athletic wing who can stroke it from the 3-point line and is a good slasher. He showed good range when he shot the ball and had a quicker trigger on his jumper. Layman played off the ball and was excellent shooting coming off screens or spot-up catch-and-shoots.
He also showed the ability to handle the ball and create space to get his shot off.
Layman is 6’9” and could finally be a meaningful player for Blazers this season. In past years, this franchise has had success with players going into their third season — guys like Pat Connaughton, Allen Crabbe and CJ McCollum.
His shooting could see him consistent minutes this season if he plays with this confidence he has shown. Portland moved on from three main bench players this season and Layman has a chance take some of those minutes.