The Portland Trail Blazers can take their starting lineup in a few different directions to start the season, even after Scoot Henderson's unfortunate injury. One player in particular that head coach Chauncey Billups could have a difficult time deciding what to do with is veteran Jerami Grant.
Grant was asked about the idea of him potentially coming off the bench at Blazers media day, to which he responded: "I don't really expect that."
However, this doesn't necessarily mean Grant won't come off the bench to start the season. A better indicator of that is the media day quotes from Billups, you know, the guy who actually makes that tough decision.
"There's a lot of ways the starting lineup can go. They've got to go earn it," Billups said. "Whoever plays the best is going to be the starters. I'm glad we have the talent and depth. This is new for me."
Billups has consistently taken an "earn, not given" approach to roles and minutes for his players, so this shouldn't come as a surprise. Still, it's even more of a storyline to watch at Blazers training camp this season compared to years past.
Chauncey Billups has a tough Jerami Grant decision to make
One would assume that Jrue Holiday now takes over Portland's starting point guard duties with Henderson set to miss time. Although that could have been the case regardless, the injury makes Billups' decision that much easier. With Donovan Clingan locked in as the starting center, there are just three starting spots left. It's also hard to imagine a world in which building blocks Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija don't earn their starting spots in training camp, meaning the final spot will likely come down to Grant and rising star Shaedon Sharpe.
Benching Grant seems closer to a toss-up than some may expect. In fact, Billups himself said he doesn't even know yet what he's going to do -- that will eventually sort itself out depending on who plays better in training camp.
Last season, Billups essentially picked Grant over Sharpe, who was benched midseason for his lack of defense. That decision paid off as it was Portland's jumbo, defensively versatile lineup that catalyzed their turnaround and push for a play-in spot. However, the two players are trending in completely opposite directions at this point in their respective careers. If Grant doesn't find a way to bounce back from an underwhelming season, Sharpe may pass him in the pecking order.
Throughout media day, a common theme the Blazers stressed was taking a patient approach despite their win-now moves this offseason. Could that also be a factor in who Billups ultimately decides to start?
If they are set on making their long-term outlook a priority, which they should be, it makes much more sense to have Sharpe as the starter. If that is the case, the question then turns to how Grant will take this decision and what the ripple effects could be. He's a very chill, low-maintenance guy. But that's also a very concerning quote, especially given how poorly he played last season and Portland's roster situation heading into the season.