Jerami Grant made waves at Media Day when he informed reporters that he doesn't expect to come off the bench in 2025-26. It was an admittedly puzzling statement considering how clear of a direction the Portland Trail Blazers appear to be moving in with their starting lineup.
For as alarming as Grant's comments may be, the Trail Blazers have an obvious reason to decline his request to start: Toumani Camara.
Grant, 31, has ample reason to believe he should be a starter in the NBA. He's the prototypical 3-and-D forward, capable of playing high-level defense and shooting with relative efficiency while adding a measure of scoring versatility to the mix.