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Jake Layman – Newest Portland Fan Favorite
On Tuesday night, former Maryland star Jake Layman made his NBA debut with the Portland Trail Blazers on a night where fans had nothing to cheer about… until he stepped foot on the hardwood. In just 8 minutes of play, Layman turned heads dramatically, even impressing former MVP and Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant.
Jake Layman was chosen with the 47th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He was subsequently traded to “Rip City” on draft night. Though Portland remains on the other side of the country from his hometown city of Norwood, Massachusetts, Layman made some new friends up north.
In just 8 minutes of play he finished with 17 points, going 5-for-7 from behind the three-point line and 6-for-8 overall from the field. Portland was slain by Golden State, 127-104. Though it was in garbage time, Layman made his way into the history books in his debut.
- Layman joins Donyell Marshall (in 1994) as the only two players to make five-or-more three-pointers in their NBA debut.
- Layman’s 17 points are the most by a Portland Trail Blazers player in his NBA debut since Damian Lillard’s 23 points on October 31, 2012.
- Layman’s five three-pointers in the fourth quarter are one shy of the franchise record for three-pointers in a single quarter.
Layman was the talk of the town on Tuesday night. His performance caught worldwide attention, having been trending on Twitter. He even caught the eye of Warriors star Kevin Durant who suggested, “maybe he should be playing more.”
Maybe the hair-flowing kid from Massachusetts could become Portland’s new go to scorer off the bench.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHwn6Q0XUiU
