Blazers: 5 goals for Jake Layman to achieve in his contract season

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Jake Layman #10 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks against the Boston Celtics during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

While the Blazers guards jockey for limited available minutes, Jake Layman has the best opportunity of his career to get into the bench rotation. Here are the five aspects of his game he needs to work on to capitalize on his opportunity.

In an almost identical trade to the one made this summer for Gary Trent Jr., Portland acquired the draft rights to Jake Layman in the 2016 NBA Draft. At pick No. 47, the Orlando Magic swapped him for a future second rounder and cash considerations from the Blazers.

Layman, a forward added to space the floor and defend multiple positions, failed to impress in his rookie campaign. He suited up for 35 games and averaged 2.2 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.3 steals and 0.4 threes in 7.1 minutes.

The Blazers didn’t make any major changes to its roster that summer, keeping Layman on the end of the bench throughout his second season. Again, he played 35 games, but this time for only 4.6 minutes per. Subsequently, his stats dropped to 1.0 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 steals and 0.1 threes in each outing.

These uninspiring numbers didn’t comfort Layman as his contract came under inspection – Portland had until June 30 to determine whether it wanted to keep the young wing for an extra season. By taking no action by that date, the Blazers guaranteed Layman’s contract for this season.

Unlike a majority of Portland’s 2018 Summer League roster, Layman had a NBA spot waiting for him in October. Nonetheless, he played his heart out and led the team’s offense en route to a championship title.

In seven Summer League games, he averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1,4 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.9 threes in 23.1 minutes. He shot efficiently as well, making 57.1% of his field goals and 54.2% of his three-pointers.

Here are five goals for Layman to help carry over his Summer League success and earn a few extra minutes in the rotation during another contract season.