Jayson Kent has taken an unconventional path to join the Portland Trail Blazers, and now he aims to secure his position on the roster by embracing a straightforward role as a 3-and-D player.
After starting with a local tryout for the Rip City Remix, Kent earned a spot on the Blazers' roster and signed a two-way contract in March. His rookie season saw him transition between the G League and the NBA, and at 24 years old, he recognizes the importance of defining his role to ensure his future with the team.
In an interview with ClutchPoints, Kent remarked, "I think it’s a great pathway. It’s hard to come in and take NBA All-Star shots, so it’s all about what is the best way to fit into a role." For Kent, the clarity of his role as a 3-and-D player is essential.
"3&D is the best way to fit into a role. You buy into it and just excel in it and see where it goes from there. It’s definitely a great path to take to start off," he added. Kent has already demonstrated his shooting prowess, having developed into a reliable perimeter shooter with the Remix after struggling to find his range during his five years in college.
Now, Kent is eager to showcase his defensive skills to the Blazers. He stated, "Just showing that I can guard one through five, be able to contain and navigate screens, and make winning plays. Of course, knock down shots, I think I do that pretty well and good enough. But honestly, I want to show that I can guard all positions and make winning plays at the end of the day."
Kent's unique journey to the NBA makes his aspirations particularly intriguing. His two-way contract offers him a chance to prove himself, although his long-term future with the Blazers is still uncertain as the team assesses whether his G League success can translate to the NBA level.
During his rookie season, Kent played 46 games for the Remix, averaging 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting an impressive 49.6% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. His playoff performance was notable as well; he scored 12 points with six rebounds in an upset victory over the No. 2-seeded Mexico City Capitanes, followed by a 24-point outing in a loss to the Stockton Kings.
These performances led to his signing with the Blazers on March 3, where he appeared in five games before the end of the regular season. Kent returned for the Summer League, where he had a standout game, scoring 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds against the Orlando Magic.
Kent's offensive numbers are promising, especially if he can maintain the shooting improvement he exhibited in the G League. He understands the importance of being a valuable asset to the team without needing to dominate the ball. In the NBA, there is a place for players who can defend, hit open shots, and make impactful plays without requiring significant offensive touches.
This is the role Kent is striving to fulfill. He is not seeking stardom but rather aims to make himself indispensable to the Blazers, ensuring he remains a part of the team moving forward.
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