Former Toronto Raptors guard Dalano Banton is making the most of his opportunity with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Banton was a former draft pick of the Raptors who walked last summer during free agency, signing with the Boston Celtics. Then he was traded to the Trail Blazers, where he gained a sizeable opportunity.
In 29 games, starting 7 in Portland, Banton is averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 41.8 percent shooting from the field and 33.9 percent from three-point range.
Recently, he dropped an impressive 28 points and 10 rebound performance against the Houston Rockets on April 12. The 24-year-old opened up about his new-found opportunity with the Blazers, via The Toronto Star’s Libaan Osman:
“I think everyone wants the chance to show what they can do and make a name for themselves. I just looked at it that way. I know I’ve been sitting on the bench for three years in this league, I know that time was of the essence in my third year.”
With the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris this summer, Banton’s impressive play is putting him in the mix for the Canadian team. This is an opportunity that most basketball players dream of and Banton expressed he is ready to represent his country:
“The Olympics, guys dream of this. It’s an opportunity a lot of Canadians don’t want to pass up if you do play basketball. There’s only a certain amount of spots, so guys gotta work for their spots…I’m ready to go compete for a spot, for sure.”
It is great to see the 6’8″ guard beginning to find his footing as a basketball player.
With a team option for the 2024-25 season, hopefully Banton is able to find a long-term home with the Trail Blazers.
Dalano Banton’s stats with the Raptors
In his two seasons with the Raptors, Banton played 95 games in Toronto. He averaged 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
It is clear that he is taking the leap as a player and starting to figure it out in his third season.
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