Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant sustained a right eye contusion during Friday’s loss to Oklahoma City. Although he was cleared to return at the time, he started experiencing “concussive symptoms” on Saturday morning and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol, Portland announced in a press release.
The impending free agent was initially questionable for Monday’s game against the Lakers, but he has been downgraded to out, per the Blazers (Twitter links). Forward Kevin Knox, who was acquired in a four-team trade that also involved Golden State, Detroit and Atlanta, will be active for his first game with Portland.
Here’s more on the Blazers:
- Grant has switched agents ahead of free agency. He is now represented by Klutch Sports Group, he confirmed to Danny Marang of 1080 The FAN (Twitter link).
- GM Joe Cronin says he was disappointed to not add a major impact player at the trade deadline, so he instead pivoted to “asset acquisition mode,” as Jason Quick of The Athletic relays. “We want to be championship level as soon as possible. So for us, it was disappointing. We want to get out there, and we would love to have a team out here tonight that is ready to rock. We are borderline anxious to push all of our chips in. We can’t wait for that moment to happen. It just hasn’t come up yet,” he said.
- Cronin went on to say the Blazers will aggressively build around Damian Lillard in the offseason, according to Quick. “We are going to be ridiculously aggressive, to the point where once we push our chips all the way in, like, deal-to-deal you might say ‘Wow, they lost that deal. They gave a lot for that guy.’ But no, that’s just us pushing our chips in. We feel extremely obligated to put a great roster around Damian Lillard. And when I say we, that’s from the top. Jody (Allen) and I have had a lot of conversations about how important it is for us to do right by Damian. And we plan to do that,” Cronin said.
- Lillard believes Cam Reddish has untapped upside and hopes the Blazers can bring out the best in the fourth-year wing. “You know he has all the tools…He hasn’t found a home yet…If we can change his life and get that potential out of him, create opportunity for him to blossom, then it could be a great thing…that’s our job, to try to get it out of him,” Lillard said (Twitter video link via New York Basketball).
Cam is privileged. He’s been pampered since HS. He’s already drawing an NBA check. So in his eyes. He’s already made it.
Still young hope he gets it Dame.
Chicago owns Blazers protected first pick as long as this team IS not in the play in so how do you get super agressive ?? By signing Grant a max contract with Klutch… Or dumping Rocco, CJ for nothing back or not getting the tax … This Cronin speech looks dog doodoo to me it’s a small market build from draft so …
Cronin is clearly well versed in both 2k and fantasy lexicon. I’ll take him at his word that he’s borderline anxious to be ridiculously aggressive. Problem is that what’s been lacking during his tenure isn’t activity, it’s achievement, and people who speak in such sophomoric terms are already saying thing like “wow, they lost that deal”.
New year, same Blazers quote about being “all in”. Not sure what it takes to get him past “borderline”, I’d already be on meds at this point if I was a Blazers fan
Its a half-hearted smile followed by a 2/3 headshake nowadays. Not much is a surprise anymore. Try to keep the glass is half full approach.
Love Dame, think he is great, not sure why he wants to be in Portland, and at the same time would enjoy the Blazers ending the train wreck, and start a proper rebuild.
I haven’t seen the scouting, and basketball operations hirings that one would like to see prior to entering a rebuild. Portland hasn’t hired quality development anything. (Possibly evidenced as the GP II injury)
They have to seek LMA. A talented, respected, and succesful veteran, he can only bring good things to this franchise.
-Former Blazers franchise player.
-All-NBA talent in His prime
-Veteran leader.
-Can teach young Big men with potential, how to Score.
-Builds culture.
-If needed, can play and fill in.
Kind of a Haslem role, but he was actually a star. One hundred times the talent and accomplishments. Haslem a Heat all His career through. A young Big Man with work ethic,
should definitely seek learning how to Score down low, by one of the greatest scoring bigs in these decades.
I don’t know, if His personality, suits him for that kind of role. It would be good
One hundred times the offensive scoring talent, I meant. Haslem’s rebounding, tenacity, work ethic, continuity and hustle, and 15-footer are also talents. Never meant to díss UD, whom I respect a Lot and rooted for, when he entered the league and solidified in the NBA.
No one wants to go to Portland.
Damian Lillard seems to disagree. Grant disagrees. I’m pretty sure Cam Reddish disagrees. I wonder how Thybulle is feeling right now with his great opportunity.
Bizarre one-way reporting this week against this team… it shook all the hate out tho. I’ll be happy when all these negative comments are proven wrong.
Is the entire Portland organization delusional? Blazers fans deserve better.