Trail Blazers Assign Jake Layman to Windy City Bulls

The Portland Trail Blazers have assigned rookie forward Jake Layman to the Windy City Bulls of the NBA Developmental League, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

Layman is averaging 2.3 points on 32.1 percent shooting in 6.3 minutes per game this season, but has only seen the court during garbage time in recent outings. This move to the D-League will allow him to get some run before likely returning to the team in short order.

Teammate and fellow rookie Tim Quarterman was recalled from his 3-game D-League assignment on January 19, after averaging 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game with the Bulls.

As rotations tighten and opportunities to practice become fewer and further between over the course of an NBA season, it is not uncommon for lesser utilized players to receive D-League assignments.

During a stretch of increased service while forward Al-Farouq Aminu was injured in November, Layman told Blazer’s Edge that his developmental focus was defense:

“I hear from the coaches every day that it’s all about defense for me; whether that’s guarding the ball or knowing our different coverages. I’m still learning a lot, but it’s good that I’m able to learn while in games also.”

With the well of available minutes all but dried up, the chance for game action could be beneficial.