I almost forgot this from Layman's rookie year:
“I thought we put together a really good game, other than Layman getting hot in the fourth quarter. Maybe he should be playing more,”
Durant told reporters afterward.
Here is some more from the article:
“My first year definitely prepared me for my second year, to be able to handle not playing mentally,” he said. “Sometimes the mental game can bring guys down more than anything else. It’s just staying positive in your head, knowing things are going to get better. Keep working hard.
“My first two years definitely prepared me even more for this year. I would still keep that same mindset, keep that same maturity when I was going through it. And being more prepared and ready for those moments, so when I’m coming in and playing big minutes, just be ready to have an impact.”
“I started off the year playing with the starters, but I think it took a little time learning how to be effective with that group,” Layman said. “I think it’s just finally started to show, watching film, finding spots [to contribute], learning from vets like Moe Harkless, learning how to be effective with
CJ [McCollum] and
Damian [Lillard] on the court. There’s not really plays being run for you. Just learning how to impact the game on different levels.”
“That’s the biggest thing the coaching staff wants from me: always being aggressive,” Layman said. “Learning how to attack and make things happen out there. Recently I’ve been playing with our second unit, just always bringing that same mindset. To me, it really doesn’t matter. I’m in the rotation right now and if I didn’t play the next five games, it’ll still be the same for me. I’m prepared for moments like that.”
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-jake-layman-portland-0124-story.html