The shock of the offense which Dalano Banton OFFERS Portland Trail Blazers it is undeniable.

“Crazy,” guard Scoot Henderson said as he shook his head.

In the team’s last eight games, Banton has taken his game to new levels. Public.

Those who saw him every day already knew Banton’s capabilities.

“His energy was always there,” Henderson said. “People are just recognizing it now. He’s always in training, he’s just jamming.”

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

Over the next eight games, Banton averaged 12.1 points and 2.9 assists in 16.1 minutes while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 40.9 percent 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 games started with Banton putting up big numbers in the fourth quarter. His role has expanded since then. During the wins over Minnesota last Tuesday and Wednesday, Banton shot 50 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from three.

Despite Banton’s inconsistent playing time, he doesn’t see his role as unpredictable.

“When I get put in the game, it’s to make an impact on the game,” Banton said. “I think it’s for everyone. I’m definitely picking up the pace, playing fast, going 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 like he’s a real X-factor type of player,” Billups said. “You can put him in there and he’ll do good things for you all the time.”

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

His presence, Billups said, raises the game 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 take his own defense and break 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 be two fewer wins without him.

Banton plans to continue to bring his aggressive game to the court every night.

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