76ers' Jabari Walker: Signs two-way deal with Philly
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Walker agreed to a two-way contract with the 76ers on Thursday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
After the Trail Blazers declined to extend Walker a qualifying offer last week, Walker became a free agent and will move on to a new destination after three seasons in Portland. The 2022 second-round pick appeared in 60 games for the Trail Blazers in 2024-25, averaging 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals, 0.6 assists and 0.5 three-pointers in 12.5 minutes per contest. The 6-foot-7, 237-pound Walker is capable of playing both frontcourt spots, and after shooting below 30 percent from beyond the arc in his first two seasons in the league, he made major strides in 2024-25 by converting at a career-best 38.9 percent from downtown. Despite the improvement he showed last season, Walker's playing-time outlook won't necessarily improve in Philadelphia, where he could struggle to carve out minutes behind Joel Embiid (knee), Adem Bona, Justin Edwards (ribs), Trendon Watford and Johni Broome.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Ends season in reserve role
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Walker accumulated 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and one assist across 23 minutes during Sunday's 109-81 victory over the Lakers.
Despite Jerami Grant (knee) missing essentially the entire final quarter of the year, Walker made just one start in 2024-25, and it came back during December. The 2022 second-rounder is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and Walker figures to provide frontcourt depth to whichever team he lands with. Walker averaged just 8.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 blocks and 1.1 three-pointers in 16.5 minutes across his last 15 games of the regular season, but he shot a sizzling 61.5 percent from downtown during this period.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Could play Sunday
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Walker (concussion) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Walker sustained a concussion during the Trail Blazers' 114-113 loss to the Knicks on March 12 and sat out the team's ensuing four contests, but he appears to have made some progress in his recovery in recent days. If he's cleared ahead of Sunday's 6 p.m. ET tipoff, Walker could be in line for a small role in the rotation.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Ruled out for Friday
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Walker (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Nuggets.
Walker will miss a fourth straight game for the Trail Blazers due to a concussion. The next opportunity for the 22-year-old forward to get back on the floor will be Sunday against the Celtics.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Out again Monday
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Walker (concussion) will not play Monday against the Wizards.
Walker has been in the concussion protocol since injuring his head during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks. It's unclear if he'll be ready in time for Wednesday's game against Memphis.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Not playing Sunday
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Walker (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.
Walker entered concussion protocol Friday after injuring his head during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks. He'll have to clear the league's protocol before returning, with his next opportunity being Monday against the Wizards. Kris Murray and Robert Williams (knee) should see an increase to their minutes while Walker is sidelined.
Coach Chauncey Billups said Friday that Walker is in the concussion protocol, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.
Walker exited Wednesday's loss to the Knicks early due to the head injury and didn't return. The Trail Blazers will likely provide an update on the 22-year-old's status Saturday, as the club prepares to face Toronto on Sunday. If Walker is ruled out, Kris Murray and Robert Williams could see a bump in minutes.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Available Sunday
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Walker (hand) is available for Sunday's game against the Pistons.
Walker found himself on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest with right hand soreness, but he will be able to play through the ailment. Walker has played 20-plus minutes in back-to-back games and figures to see a significant role once again, especially with Deni Avdija (quadriceps) out of the lineup.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Rejoins parent club
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Portland recalled Walker from the G League's Rip City Remix on Monday.
Walker played 29 minutes Sunday in Rip City's 127-125 win over the Windy City Bulls, finishing with 26 points (9-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and one steal in 29 minutes. He'll be available for the Trail Blazers' game Monday against the Suns, but he's unlikely to be featured in the rotation.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Slotted to bench
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Walker will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Suns, Casey Holdahl of the team's official site reports.
Walker will retreat to a bench role due to Donovan Clingan entering the starting lineup. Walker has not been much of a factor of late, averaging just 3.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 16.0 minutes per game over his last five appearances.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Starting vs. San Antonio
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Walker will start Friday's game against the Spurs, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.
Walker will get the nod at center due to the lack of depth in the Blazers frontcourt. Deandre Ayton (illness) and Robert Williams (not injury related) are out, while Donovan Clingan will operate under a minutes restriction, so Walker is the next man up to start at the center position. Walker averages 3.0 points and 3.1 rebounds across 10.8 minutes per game this season. This will be his first start of the 2024-25 campaign.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Season-high points in loss
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Walker amassed 15 points (5-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT) and six rebounds over 19 minutes during Monday's 111-98 loss to the Kings.
The 22-year-old finished as the club's third-highest scorer behind Deandre Ayton (20) and Scoot Henderson (18) in an efficient night from the field. Walker set his season high in minutes played and points scored Monday, and he is set to contribute double-digit minutes off the bench moving forward. The third-year forward has averaged 6.0 points and 4.3 rebounds across 14.5 minutes per game in four regular-season appearances.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Gets clearance for opener
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Walker (ankle) will be available for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Warriors, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.
Walker missed back-to-back games to end the preseason schedule but has been cleared for game action ahead of the regular season. After a quiet rookie campaign, Walker averaged 23.6 minutes per game across 72 regular-season appearances (23 starts) last season.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Ready for training camp
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Portland general manager Joe Cronin said Monday that Walker (knee) will be ready for training camp, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.
Walker missed the final game of the 2023-24 season due to left knee tendinitis, but the franchise was just being cautious. Walker played a key role for the team, making 72 regular-season appearances with averages of 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 23.6 minutes per game. Minutes won't be as easy to come by this time around, however, as Jerami Grant is healthy and the Trail Blazers added Deni Avdija this offseason.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Won't play Sunday
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Walker (knee) is inactive Sunday versus Sacramento.
Walker's second season will end with 72 appearances, with the 6-foot-8 forward averaging 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 23.6 minutes per game. Improving as a shooter will be a key factor in Walker's potential to step into a larger role in 2024-25, as he connected on just 29.5 percent of 1.9 three-pointers per game this season.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Unlikely to play Sunday
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Walker is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Kings with left knee tendinitis.
Walker left Friday's loss to the Rockets early due to the knee injury, and the Trail Blazers seem to be leaning toward playing it safe with the second-year forward in the season finale. His expected absence could pave the way for Justin Minaya to step into a larger role.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Won't return Friday
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Walker won't return to Friday's game against the Rockets due to a left knee injury. He finished with nine points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT) and five rebounds in 14 minutes.
The Trail Blazers didn't provide any specifics on the extent of Walker's injury. Given that Portland has little on the line in Sunday's regular-season finale in Sacramento, Walker could end up sitting out that game even if his knee issue ends up being a minor concern.
Walker amassed 17 points (6-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 16 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 36 minutes during Thursday's 100-92 loss to the Warriors.
Walker has made the most of his starting role as the season draws to a close. He's recorded double-doubles in four of his last five games. The Colorado product's future with the Trail Blazers is an open question, as the team has a lot of money invested in Jerami Grant, who figures to return as a starter next season.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Nears 20 boards in double-double
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Walker finished with 14 points (5-16 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 18 rebounds and one steal across 34 minutes during Sunday's 124-107 loss to the Celtics.
Walker led all players in Sunday's game in rebounds while ending two boards shy of the 20-rebound mark and finishing as one of two players with a double-double in a balanced performance. Walker has hauled in 18 or more rebounds in two games this season, both of which have occurred over the last two outings. He has now recorded a double-double in three straight contests.
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Trail Blazers' Jabari Walker: Career-best night on glass
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Walker posted 14 points (4-17 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 22 rebounds, two assists and one block in 42 minutes during Wednesday's 89-86 victory over the Hornets.
The 22 boards were a career high for Walker, who was making his third straight start since Toumani Camara (ribs) was ruled out for the rest of the season. The double-double was Walker's eighth of the season, and over 10 games since returning from a hip injury of his own, the second-year forward has averaged 10.1 points, 7.8 boards, 1.7 assists and 0.8 threes in 28.8 minutes per contest. Expect him to continue seeing big minutes for the Trail Blazers over the final weeks.
