Rip City Project
Fansided

3 takeaways: Blazers scrimmage at Wells Fargo Fan Fest

By Minh Dao

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: C.J. McCollum of Team World smiles at practice for the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 4, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: C.J. McCollum of Team World smiles at practice for the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 4, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The annual Wells Fargo Fan Fest held Sunday gave Rip City their first look at the team for the upcoming season. The event was free to the public.

The Wells Fargo Fan Fest kicked off with an interview featuring Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum conducted by Kevin Calabro and Lamar Hurd.

Lillard and McCollum each captained a team as the Blazers split into two squads after the interview for the open scrimmage.

(Note: Maurice Harkless, Noah Vonleh, Shabazz Napier, C.J. Wilcox and Evan Turner all did not participate.)

The scrimmage was comprised of four six-minute quarters. It was close in the first quarter, but Portland Black ran away after that, winning 54-37.

McCollum said of the event:

"It was fun, fun to get out there and compete. You just try to get a sweat in, stay healthy and not get any injuries or anything like that and I think that’s what we got done today."

He took home MVP honors with a stat line of 15 points and two assists on 6-9 shooting.

Teammate Isaiah Briscoe chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists as he continues his quest for a contract.

Rookie Caleb Swanigan was the Grey team’s best player with 13 points and four rebounds on 5-9 shooting.

Portland’s preseason play starts Tuesday night at home against the Phoenix Suns.

Three Takeaways

Preseason should not be taken too seriously

This period of the year is designed for teams to get into match fitness while they gain their rhythm. Fans should not buy a lot of stock into the results or production, as plenty of experimentation goes on.

However, preseason is the first look that fans get of their favorite players, so it is worth keeping tabs on reported improvements.

15th roster spot competition

Briscoe made a nice impression in Napier and Wilcox’s absence with an impressive attitude on his team. He was a strong driver to the cup and was able to steady the ship when required.

Morrow didn’t quite shoot the lights out while Goodwin barely made an impression at all. He did not look as poised as Briscoe and didn’t shoot the ball well.

It is also worth noting it seems Connaughton’s spot is safe. That being said, it can be expected Morrow’s shooting will improve and that he will secure that last roster spot.

Next: 3 things to watch for in Nurk this season

McCollum lives up to “Crafty James” nickname

McCollum won the Fan Fest Most Valuable Player award, and deservedly so.

He reinforced the image that he is one of the silkiest players in the league. 3J made floaters with both hands, step-back jumpers, creative finishes, you name it.

C.J. had a true-shooting percentage of 58.5 last season. But, there’s a case to be made that it will be even higher this season.