Former Maryland forward Jake Layman became the second Terps player drafted after the Orlando Magic picked him with the 47th pick of the NBA Draft on Thursday night. The Magic then traded Layman to the Portland Trailblazers $1.2 million and a second-round pick in 2019.
Earlier, the Los Angeles Clippers selected former center Diamond Stone with the 40th pick. Former forward Robert Carter Jr. went undrafted.
Many pundits projected Layman as a mid-second round pick, and that’s about where the Wrentham, Massachusetts, native went.
DraftExpress NBA Scout Josh Riddell gave a mixed review of Layman. He criticized Layman’s aggressiveness, stating the 22-year-old’s tendency to defer to his teammates. He also pointed out Layman’s inconsistent shooting numbers at points throughout this past season.
Still, Riddell said Layman’s 6-foot-9 frame makes him an ideal candidate to make an impact as both a small forward and a power forward at the next level.
“Improving his toughness and mental approach will cement his chances of carving out a long career,” Riddell said in his scouting report. “But athletic, shooting combo forwards in his mold are all the rage in today’s NBA, and he’ll get plenty of chances to find his niche.”
A four-year player at Maryland, Layman finished tied with former guard Juan Dixon for the most games played (141) in program history. Layman finished his career with the 18th most points (1,436) and fourth most three-point baskets made (198).
Layman has been a consistent producer in each season in College Park. He averaged around 12 points and five rebounds per game in each of his past three seasons. This past year, Layman started all 36 games, finished as the team’s fourth leading scorer and helped lead the Terps to their first Sweet 16 appearance in 13 years.
