Jerami Grant Secures Starting Role for Trail Blazers Sunday
In a boost for the Portland Trail Blazers and fantasy basketball managers alike, forward Jerami Grant is confirmed to start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. This development comes at a crucial time for the rebuilding Blazers, who are looking to solidify their rotation amid a challenging Western Conference season. Grant's elevation to the starting lineup signals confidence in his two-way play, blending scoring prowess with defensive tenacity.
Background on Jerami Grant's Trail Blazers Tenure
Jerami Grant, a 30-year-old veteran forward, joined the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster trade from the Detroit Pistons during the 2022 offseason. The deal, which sent Anfernee Simons and others to Detroit, was part of Portland's strategy to build around young talent like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe while adding a proven scorer. Since arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Grant has been a consistent presence, averaging 20.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game over his first two seasons with the team.
However, this season has been a mixed bag for Grant. Early injuries and a crowded frontcourt limited his minutes, but recent performances have turned heads. In his last five games, Grant has posted 22.4 points per outing on 45% shooting from the field, including a season-high 28 points in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. His ability to stretch the floor with 37% three-point shooting makes him a versatile weapon, especially against teams with weaker perimeter defenses like the Lakers.
Why the Starting Nod Now?
Coach Chauncey Billups' decision to insert Grant into the starting five stems from several factors. With Jabari Walker dealing with a minor ankle tweak, the team needs reliable scoring from the forward position. Grant's defensive metrics—1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game—also address Portland's league-worst defensive rating of 118.2 points allowed per 100 possessions. Billups, a former NBA guard and Pistons coach who knows Grant well from Detroit, praised his leadership in post-practice comments: "Jerami brings energy on both ends. He's the guy we need starting to set the tone."
This isn't Grant's first rodeo in a starting role. Throughout his career, spanning stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nuggets, he's thrived as a starter, posting career averages of 13.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 513 games. His playoff experience, including a deep run with Denver in 2020, adds veteran poise to a young Blazers squad sitting at 12-15 early in the 2023-24 season.
Impact on Fantasy Basketball and Team Dynamics
For fantasy owners, Grant's starting status is a game-changer. Previously a bench spark plug, he's now positioned for 32-35 minutes per game, potentially elevating his stat lines across the board. Platforms like CBS Sports Fantasy highlight him as a waiver-wire gem in leagues where he's available in under 60% of rosters. Experts recommend streaming him for Sunday's matchup, projecting 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals against a Lakers frontcourt led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
On the team level, Grant's promotion could unlock Portland's offense. The Blazers rank 22nd in scoring at 108.5 points per game, but Grant's mid-range game and transition scoring have improved their efficiency in recent outings. Pairing him with Damian Lillard's successor in Henderson creates pick-and-roll opportunities that could exploit mismatches. Defensively, Grant's length (6'8" with a 7'3" wingspan) helps contain slashers, a key against LA's athletic wings.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Grant's journey to NBA stardom wasn't linear. Undrafted out of Syracuse in 2014, he grinded through the 76ers' system before exploding with the Nuggets, where he averaged 18.6 points in the 2018-19 season. His time in Detroit saw him sign a lucrative four-year, $125 million extension, but the Pistons' rebuild stalled his prime. Now in Portland, Grant is embracing a mentorship role, guiding rookies like Toumani Camara.
Challenges remain, including a history of knee issues that sidelined him for 20 games last season. Yet, at 30, he's in peak athletic form, with improved conditioning evident in his plus-minus ratings. Analysts predict this starting role could propel him toward his first All-Star nod if he sustains 22+ points per game.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Grant and the Blazers?
Sunday's game tips off at 7 p.m. ET from Moda Center, with national broadcast on NBA TV. A strong showing could cement Grant's spot and boost Portland's play-in aspirations. Beyond that, the Blazers face a gauntlet including the Clippers and Warriors, testing Grant's endurance.
As the NBA season progresses, keep an eye on Grant—he's not just a starter; he's emerging as Portland's cornerstone forward. For fans and fantasy enthusiasts, this could be the spark that reignites the Trail Blazers' campaign in the loaded West.
(Word count: 752)