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Maryland Basketball: Jake Layman signs NBA contract

By Chris Bengel

Feb 21, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Jake Layman (10) prepares to shoot the ball as Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) defends during the second half at Xfinity Center. The Terrapins won 86-82. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Jake Layman (10) prepares to shoot the ball as Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) defends during the second half at Xfinity Center. The Terrapins won 86-82. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was clear on draft night that the Portland Trail Blazers coveted Jake Layman.

On Wednesday evening, Layman signed his rookie NBA contract with the Trail Blazers. According to Don Markus of The Baltimore Sun, it is a three-year deal worth $2.8 million and the first two years of the contract are guaranteed.

Layman was originally selected with the No. 47 overall pick by the Orlando Magic. The Magic then shipped Layman’s rights to the Trail Blazers for a future second round pick and $1.2 million.

Portland was supposed to undergo a rebuilding year during the 2015-16 season. However, the Trail Blazers defied expectations and ended up defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in six games before ultimately being eliminated by the Golden State Warriors.

As impressive as this past season was for the Trail Blazers, it’s a franchise that could lose a few of its important contributors. Forward Maurice Harkless and guard Allen Crabbe are free agents and are still on the open market.

If Harkless doesn’t re-sign with the Blazers, Layman could see significant playing time as a rookie with Al-Farouq Aminu being the only other option on the wing.

When he met with the media on Wednesday, Layman said that he’ll play mostly small forward during Portland’s slate in the Las Vegas Summer League. The Blazers open Summer League play on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

Layman is a very versatile two-way player that could make an impact early on in his NBA career. The Massachusetts native is an above-average shooter from the perimeter while also possessing the ability to attack the rim.

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Layman’s length also makes him a very strong defender, which is another reason that he could see the floor early on.