The Jerami Grant Dilemma for the Trail Blazers’ Rotation

Coach Chauncey Billups’ system wants to maximize the team’s defensive assets. Since Camara is the team’s best perimeter defender, he should be a starter. After the 2024-25 season, Avdija has also cemented his spot in the team.

With Grant, the team might struggle with how they play in transition. Grant is still athletic, but he’s not as quick as the other two forwards. Avdija loves to push the pace, as he can rebound and go coast-to-coast. Camara is also quite reliable in transition with his off-ball movement.

Grant’s Performances Indicate a More Optimal Role

If Grant is not starting in the Blazers’ rotation, he can command the second unit as the go-to guy. He can take as many shots as he wants, and he won’t need to worry about defending.

Billups experimented with a small-ball lineup in the preseason games. He ran Grant at center alongside Camara and Avdija, which worked out quite well. It won’t happen too often, but Billups can get the best of both worlds.

However, Grant is arguably the team’s best sixth man if he can accept that role. Scoot Henderson will probably join him soon, but the young point guard will push Jrue Holiday for the starting spot. In that case, it is more understandable to change point guards, unlike Grant pushing the other two.

The Trail Blazers’ Future is a Priority

The Blazers want to keep building for the long-term future. That means getting the most out of the players, especially the young ones. Since Grant is 31 years old, so the Blazers must continue to build around their core.

Camara and Avdija have proven they can work alongside each other as the starting wings. Donovan Clingan has cemented himself as the franchise center. Sharpe and Henderson are the building blocks in the backcourt as well.

The Blazers’ rotation maximizes everyone’s skill set. When everyone is healthy, they should be firing on all cylinders, including Grant. He might only have sporadic starts, but Billups’ system encourages competition among the players.