1 Question for each player on the Trail Blazers training camp roster

16. Devonte' Graham, G

Will Graham beat out Banton for a spot on the 15-man roster?

Graham is already starting at a disadvantage. Banton had a strong showcase in his 30-game stretch with Portland last season, and the Blazers seem comfortable rolling into the season with having him as the final player on their 15-man roster.

It also doesn't help that 29-year-old Graham is five years older than Banton, especially given the Blazers' rebuilding timeline. If the Blazers had playoff aspirations this season, it might have been closer to a toss-up.

Graham still has a chance, but he must significantly outplay Banton to convince the Blazers' front office that it's worth keeping another veteran on their roster. Perhaps Portland will be enticed by the idea of Graham mentoring Scoot Henderson and the other young Blazers players in a similar but much cheaper leadership role, as Malcolm Brogdon did last season.

15. Dalano Banton, G

Can Banton still thrive in a reduced role?

This roster spot battle will be even more critical now that Shaedon Sharpe is out for four to six weeks with a shoulder injury. Whoever wins the spot could play a significant role as the first guard off the bench while Sharpe is out.

Banton has already proven that he can play well in an increased role, as evidenced by his 16.7 points per game last season. The bigger question surrounding Banton is what his role will look like when Sharpe is back and how effective he can be.

Banton is not a reliable enough shooter to be used primarily off-ball at this point in his career. He either needs to improve his shooting to have an off-ball role as a combo guard or his playmaking to have value as the lead ballhandler and primary offensive initiator.