Bigger Role Candidate #2: Jabari Walker
After a great season at Colorado, Jabari Walker found himself taking a surprise tumble down the draft boards before the Blazers snagged him with pick 57 last year. Walker averaged just 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds on middling efficiency in a limited role last season.
That doesn’t speak to what Walker can be once he develops, however, as he has the prototypical measurements for a combo forward. Walker’s wingspan, defensive instincts, and burgeoning shooting touch are all ingredients that, with enough seasoning on the court, could help him carve out a major role with the team this season:
Jabari Walker gets the switch on the screen, attacks the basket off the dribble and finishes for Portland. pic.twitter.com/nfk9D9b82U
— Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) July 15, 2022
It’s hard to see Walker starting over Jerami Grant if he is brought back or starting next to Grant as the small forward, but given his consistent play as a rookie, there should be a bigger bench niche for Walker to step into this year. If he can start hitting shots at a reasonable clip, Walker could find himself emerging into a bigger role as the first forward off of the bench for the Blazers as soon as next season.