Dalano

Banton

Banton was waived less than two weeks after agreeing to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Mavericks. Dallas’ G League affiliate holds his rights in that league, so if he clears waivers, Banton could remain in Texas, albeit with the Legends. A second-round pick of the Raptors in 2021, Banton played well down the stretch last season as a member of the Trail Blazers.

Banton has spent time with the Raptors, Celtics and most recently the Trail Blazers. It’s unclear what kind of deal he’s signed with the Mavericks, but Banton will likely be competing for a spot on Dallas’ final roster. He provided a spark for the Blazers last season, averaging 16 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 triples across the final seven games of the 2024-25 campaign.

Banton played well as the starting point guard for Portland over their final seven games of the season. During this stretch as a starter, he has scored at least 20 points four times. He was also able to match his season-high of 23 points, which he has done a surprising four times this season without ever scoring more. Banton has benefitted from the absences of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson, and he is set to be a free agent this summer. He could find a new team where he can be the backup point guard, but it will be difficult for him to find a situation where he can start.

Simons and Henderson will miss Portland’s final game of the season, meaning Dalano Banton will remain in the starting lineup. He should be slotted into lineups in active fantasy leagues due to Portland’s lack of options at point guard. While Simons finished the season as a ninth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats, Henderson was ranked well outside the top-100 in both. Henderson’s per-game value did improve compared to his rookie season, which is encouraging. But he remains a better option for points leagues than category leagues.

Banton started and played 31 minutes Friday against the Warriors with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson ruled out. The 25-year-old point guard is capable of big games when given the opportunity, but this certainly wasn’t one of those. Banton couldn’t get his shot to fall as he finished with three points on 1-of-12 shooting from the field. Portland finishes up the season Sunday with a matchup against the Lakers. While Banton could be in line for a similar workload, he’s made it difficult to trust him on the final day of the season.

Friday’s game will be the sixth in a row Simons has missed, and the seventh in a row by Henderson. The Trail Blazers have turned to Dalano Banton to take over the starting point guard duties. Despite the efficiency issues, he’s worth rostering in active fantasy leagues due to the opportunity.

Simons will miss his fifth consecutive game with a right forearm strain. Avdija is dealing with a right thumb sprain. Dalano Banton will move into the starting lineup and have a sizable role against the Jazz Wednesday.

Simons has missed the last four games for Portland and is in danger of missing another. With Scoot Henderson (concussion) already ruled out, Dalano Banton is set to play a larger role. Whether or not he continues to start will depend on Simons.

Portland finally did it. They immediately ruled Grant out instead of listing him as doubtful first, which was a month-long trend. Grant was already unlikely to play again this season, and this is just further evidence. Shaedon Sharpe will continue to start in his place. Henderson’s continued absence will allow Dalano Banton to continue to play a large role, but whether or not Banton starts will depend on the status of Anfernee Simons, who is questionable.

Banton has started Portland’s last four games, filling the void at point guard with Anfernee Simons (arm) and Scoot Henderson (concussion) unavailable. Shooting a shade below 50 percent from the field and committing one turnover, efficiency was not an issue for Banton against the Spurs. The 38.9 percent mark from the field is why he’s ranked outside the top 150 in nine-cat formats over the past week. That said, Banton will be worth the risk in active leagues if Simons and Henderson continue to miss time.