featured-image

Draft Night Reaction: Blazers Get 'Good Value' in Maryland's Layman

Without a pick entering the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday, the Portland Trail Blazers and president of basketball operations Neil Olshey bought-in to the second round of the draft by sending cash considerations and a future second-round pick to the Orlando Magic to select University of Maryland forward Jake Layman.

Layman, a 6-9, 220 lb. athlete, averaged 11.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Terrapins during his senior season while shooting 39.6% from beyond the three-point line. Over his four seasons with the Terps, the New England native held averages of 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds over 141 games during his collegiate career. Layman helped Maryland to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances during his junior and senior seasons, earning a berth in the Sweet Sixteen in 2015-16. 

Following the draft, here is what the national media is saying about the Trail Blazers' move and Layman's prospects as a pro...

AJ Neuharth-Keusch and Michael Singer of USA Today gave the Blazers a 'C-' for the night, but were very complimentary of Layman's offensive ability: 

ESPN's resident draft expert Chad Ford wrote that while the Blazers may lament giving up their first round pick to the Denver Nuggets for Arron Afflalo during the 2014-15 season, trading to acquire Layman's rights was a solid move in round two. He gave Portland a 'C+' overall: 

CBSSports.com's Sam Vecenie grades the Blazers a 'B-' and noted that while Layman has pro-level offensive ability, his defense will need to improve as he adapts to the NBA:

At FOX Sports, Aaron Torres wasn't as impressed as others with Portland's move, as he graded the selection a 'D-': 

Tags