Jerami Grant Stirs Up Sixth Man of the Year Race with Stellar Bench Play
After three seasons firmly entrenched as a starter with the Portland Trail Blazers, forward Jerami Grant has embraced a new role this season, primarily coming off the bench. Yet, even in this adjusted position, Grant remains a pivotal figure on the court and is emerging as a contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Transitioning Roles and Performance
Although Grant’s minutes have shifted, he continues to make a significant impact. In the 2024-25 season, he participated in just 47 games, experiencing a notable drop in his scoring average to 14.4 points per game compared to previous years. Despite this, his playing time hasn’t diminished; he’s averaging an impressive 28.4 minutes per night. This season, Grant has shown marked improvement, kicking off the campaign with six consecutive games scoring 15 or more points, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Currently, Grant has elevated his overall scoring average to 18.4 points per game, complemented by 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. His performance has caught the attention of bettors, with BetMGM listing him as a strong candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year, placing him third in odds behind Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat and Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rising to the Occasion
While Grant has made a name for himself as a potential award winner, his recent performances have led to a shift from bench player to starter. He has started in his last three games, seizing the opportunity to showcase his talents. In his first start of the season against the Dallas Mavericks, he exploded for 26 points, although the game ended in a heartbreaking 138-133 overtime loss for the Blazers.
His next outing saw him shine even brighter, as he poured in 33 points against the Chicago Bulls, yet again, the Blazers fell short in a close contest. However, his latest start against the Golden State Warriors was less fruitful; Grant struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with five points, four rebounds, and two assists in a game that the Blazers managed to win.
Looking Ahead
As the Blazers navigate the season, Grant’s role continues to evolve. His ability to perform at a high level off the bench makes him a critical asset to the team’s success. Should he maintain the scoring prowess displayed in his first two starts, it’s likely he will secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
With the season still unfolding, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Grant can sustain his momentum and potentially earn individual accolades while contributing to the Blazers’ quest for success.
