Trail Blazers‘ Dalano Banton becomes team's ’x-factor'

The jolt of offense that Dalano Banton provides the Portland Trail Blazers is undeniable.

"Crazy," guard Scoot Henderson said while shaking his head.

Over the team's last eight games, Banton has taken his game to new levels. Publicly.

Those who saw him each day already knew Banton's capabilities.

"His energy has always been there," Henderson said. "People just recognizing it now. He's always in practice just locking in."

Banton did not play in two contests over the first five games. In the other three, he averaged just 4.4 minutes and 1.7 points.

In the next eight games, Banton averaged 12.1 points and 2.9 assists in 16.1 minutes while shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc.

Those shooting percentages are significant. He entered the season with career percentages of 40.9% and 28.9%.

The team's recent eight-game stretch began with Banton putting up big numbers in fourth-quarter duty. His role has since expanded. During wins over Minnesota last Tuesday and Wednesday, Banton shot 50% from the field and 71.4% on threes.

Despite Banton's inconsistent playing time, he doesn't view his role as unpredictable.

"When I am put into the game, it's to impact the game," Banton said. "I think that's for everyone. I definitely pick up the pace, play fast, get downhill."

For Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Banton has become a go-to infusion of offensive energy in a 6-foot-8 frame.

"I've always felt he's a real X-factor type of player," Billups said. "You can put him in there and he is going to do some good things for you all the time."

Banton plays point guard, shooting guard and forward. He is disruptive on defense and can slither to the basket, shoot outside, or set up teammates.

His presence, Billups said, enhances the play of those around him.

"I think a guy like Delano makes Ant's game better, he helps Scoot, he helps Shaedon (Sharpe), he helps Jerami (Grant) because he can go get his own and break down a defense," Billups said.

Banton had to earn a roster spot during training camp. His contract was not fully guaranteed. Now it's arguable that the Blazers (5-8) could have two fewer wins without him.

Banton plans to continue bringing his aggressive playmaking to the court each night.

"I'm definitely very confident," he said. "Even when I was missing, I felt like I was confident. I know the work that I put in every day, even when my numbers aren't good."