Post by SurferGirl on Jun 24, 2016 9:48:35 GMT -8
June 23, 2016 -- The Portland Trail Blazers did not have a pick in last night's NBA Draft, but they did not come away from the night empty handed.
The team announced tonight that it has acquired forward Jake Layman, the 47th overall pick (second round), from the Orlando Magic. Vice president of basketball operations Neil Olshey made the announcement.
Orlando will receive a 2019 second round draft pick and $1.2 million in exchange for Layman, who played all four years in college for the Maryland Terrapins.
The 6'9" forward averaged 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds over his four-year career. He averaged 11.6 points and 5.3 rebounds as a senior. He had his best statistical season as a junior when he posted averaged of 12.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in just over 30 minutes per game.
"Jake is a high-character young man with a skill set we value on both ends of the floor," Olshey said in a statement on blazers.com. "His ability to defend multiple positions and shoot the ball from range will be positive additions to our roster."
Layman said he plans on playing in the Las Vegas Summer League for the Blazers. He estimated he would arrive in Portland July 3 or 4 to join the team in practices. He told blazers.com that he was impressed with the Blazers and their recent playoff run into the Conference Semifinals.
"It was very exciting," Layman said. "Watching them with how young they are; how much talent they have, to be battling out there against some of the best teams in the NBA. I know how excited the fan base was to see that happen."
Layman and Blazers guard Pat Connaughton, both from the Boston area, have been members of the Boston Globe (Prep) All-Star team.
- JBH
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