Jerami Grant expects a Trail Blazers starting role

Sep 30, 2025 10:14 PM

The Portland Trail Blazers made a couple of notable veteran additions this offseason, signing Damian Lillard and acquiring Jrue Holiday through a trade.

At the same time, last season gave them a glimpse of what some of their younger talent is capable of, which now leaves head coach Chauncey Billups with a lineup that isn’t set in stone.

One player who has little doubt about his role is Jerami Grant. The experienced forward was asked whether he could envision himself coming off the bench, and he responded, “I don’t really expect that.”

That confidence makes sense: since joining the Blazers, Grant has started all 164 games he’s played in across the past three seasons. He’s also locked in long-term, with three more years and $102.6 million remaining on the five-year deal he signed in 2023.

Still, Portland’s roster has plenty of competition. Alongside Grant, the Blazers have Toumani Camara at forward, Deni Avdija on the wing, and a backcourt that features Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson once he’s healthy.

In the middle, Donovan Clingan is another name vying for a starting role. That’s seven legitimate candidates for only five starting spots when the team is fully healthy.

The challenge for Billups will be finding the right balance. Does he lean more heavily on his proven veterans like Holiday and Grant to stabilize the lineup?

Or does he prioritize the development of younger players such as Henderson, Sharpe, and Clingan, who represent the franchise’s future?

For now, the Blazers’ opening five remains uncertain, and how the coaching staff blends experience with potential will be one of the key storylines to watch as the season unfolds.