From open tryouts to a two-way contract, the undrafted forward is outworking the odds, proving that grit and preparation can outshine high-profile draft labels in Rip City.
The Portland Trail Blazers have no shortage of high-profile storylines entering the new season. Ja Morant arrives with superstar talent and a chance to reset his NBA story, while Damian Lillard's return gives Rip City a familiar face to rally behind. Donovan Clingan, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara represent Portland's growing young core. Yet one of the franchise's easiest players to root for may be someone who did not enter the league with a major reputation at all.
Jayson Kent's path has been different from most NBA prospects. He went undrafted in 2025, earned a place with the Rip City Remix through an open tryout and worked his way into a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers last March. That is not the typical route fans associate with an NBA opportunity. It is the kind of journey built on showing up, accepting difficult assignments and continuing to improve after other people have stopped paying attention.
Kent has already given Portland reasons to keep watching. He averaged 12.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 25 games with the Remix before his two-way opportunity, then led Portland with 20 points and eight rebounds during a Summer League game against Orlando on July 12. Those numbers do not guarantee him a permanent NBA role. They do show that his opportunity was earned through real production instead of simply arriving with a draft label or a large contract.
That is what makes Kent relatable. Most people do not get their biggest break because someone hands them a perfect situation. They get it because they remain ready through the unnoticed work, accept a smaller opportunity and find a way to make it matter. Kent does not need to become Portland's next featured scorer for his story to mean something. He only needs to keep proving that players can create value by defending, rebounding, cutting and staying prepared when their number is called.
The Trail Blazers should value that mentality, especially with a roster full of established names. A player like Kent can help set an example for every prospect moving between Portland and the Remix. The message should be clear: the organization will reward production, effort and players who understand how to help a group instead of chasing individual attention. That standard can matter just as much as any single depth-chart decision.
Kent may spend time outside the regular rotation. He may face another long fight just to stay visible on a crowded roster. However, his journey already makes him one of the most interesting young players connected to this organization. Portland fans love athletes who embrace the city, work through adversity and make the most of an opening. Kent has already shown he belongs in that conversation, and his next opportunity could make the story even better.
