Jerami Grant hasn't played in April since 2021. It's been five years since he's played a game in the most important month of the NBA, which is unfortunate timing considering he joined Portland in 2022.
It hasn't mattered that much up until now, and in some cases, it may have been a blessing in disguise, as it improved Portland's lottery odds. But this team is finally ready to accelerate its rebuild, as evidenced by the addition of Jrue Holiday and its eight-seed heading into the Play-In Tournament.
Grant is listed as questionable heading into Tuesday's play-in contest against Phoenix. He would likely suit up should the Blazers earn a playoff series against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.
Blazers need Jerami Grant's return to extend a playoff series
Grant last played on March 27 in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Portland has played well in his absence, going 5-2 to finish out the season, including two pivotal wins over the Los Angeles Clippers to secure that eighth spot. But their other wins during that stretch came against three tanking teams: Washington, New Orleans, and Sacramento.
Portland benefited from a front-loaded strength of schedule, as teams had even less incentive to win towards the end of the season. In fact, this was the first season in NBA history that saw eight teams with 55 or more losses, highlighting the league's tanking problem in the worst possible way.
The Blazers still deserve credit for zigging when other teams zagged, and we don't want that to take away from the legitimate development this young core has shown this season. But it does raise concerns regarding their chances of extending a first-round series against the Western Conference juggernauts, should they defeat the Suns or the winner of the Warriors/Clippers.
Portland needs Grant back to have a puncher's chance, as he helps at least narrow the talent gap. Say what you will about Grant's massive contract or his questionable fit with this team's roster timeline. But that doesn't negate the fact that he's still one of the most talented players on this team.
The Blazers should reevaluate Grant's fit with this team in the offseason, as changes will inevitably be made under new owner Tom Dundon. But in the meantime, they should try to win as many games in the postseason as possible.
They've clearly picked a direction this season, even risking the loss of their lottery-protected first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls. At this point, the Blazers need to lean in that direction and embrace their chances of winning. Grant's return would increase their slim odds of doing so, especially given his floor spacing and shot creation for a Blazers roster in dire need of both.
Now, it's only a matter of getting healthy. Something we unfortunately haven't ever seen in April since Grant joined this team.
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