The Forever Buff is looking for a new home.
After three years of fighting for a rotation spot, the Portland Trail Blazers have decided to move on from Jabari Walker.
This one of several significant moves for the Blazers, as they have rehauled their roster before free agency has even begun. Walker joins Anfernee Simons (traded to Boston for Jrue Holiday) and former first overall pick Deandre Ayton (waived) at PDX.
The 57th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Walker exceeded expectations in Portland. He featured heavily in both of Portland’s tank years, then worked himself into this Chauncey Billups’ rotation as the Blazers went 25-25 from January on, a marked improvement after averaging 27 total wins the three years prior.
Somehow Bari is only 22 years old — until July 30th, anyway — after playing three years in the NBA and two at CU. He’s not the best athlete, nor does he have the size to be a strong interior defender, but he still has a lot to offer and will find his way on an NBA roster.
Walker’s shot has improved to a near-40% from three — albeit small sample size, on mostly open shots — and he’s a tremendous rebounder. He lives to do the little things his father Samaki taught him, as skills like boxing out, setting screens and sealing the paint will turn a three-year stint into a thirteen-year career.