Jake Layman moved into the starting lineup for the Portland Trail Blazers this season and has made the most of his minutes.
After starting in only two games throughout his first two seasons, forward Jake Layman moved into the starting lineup for the Portland Trail Blazers this season.
Layman is currently receiving a career-high 15.1 minutes per game, which is a significant jump from the 4.6 minutes per game that he received last season. He has made the most of his minutes and is currently the most efficient scorer on the team.
Layman is currently shooting a team-high 58.2% from the field. In addition, he is shooting a blistering 50% from three (tied with Seth Curry for highest on the team).
Although these percentages are probably not sustainable, it is evident that his offensive game has improved considerably.
Layman does not shoot the ball often, as he is averaging only 3.9 field goal attempts per game. However, he takes quality shots. Layman attempts 34.5% of his field goals when the nearest defender is at least six feet away. He is clearly capitalizing on those opportunities.
Layman also recognizes when he needs to keep the ball moving. Only 9.1% of his field goal attempts are when a defender is within two feet of him.
Layman’s game has improved beyond his scoring, as well. He on pace for career-highs in rebounds (2.6) and more importantly rebound percentage (8.3%).
Despite his offensive efficiency, Layman is still not a good defender. He is allowing opposing players to shoot 45.8% from the field against him.
Spending time on the court with a strong perimeter defender such as Al-Farouq Aminu or Maurice Harkless should help with Layman’s continuing trouble on defense.
Layman has been so efficient with the minutes that the Trail Blazers have awarded him. They should try to give him more volume moving forward.