How has Wade Baldwin IV played in Summer League?

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Wade Baldwin IV #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Wade Baldwin has been the Portland Trail Blazers best player in Summer League so far. Not having a guaranteed contract probably motivates him to do so well.

The Portland Trail Blazers start its Las Vegas Summer League tournament play tonight in a rematch against the Atlanta Hawks. Last time these two teams faced off, Portland won by 17 points.

Wade Baldwin‘s stellar defense contributed to the blowout victory. He held No. 3 overall pick Trae Young to 0 points, 3 assists and 3 turnovers in 9 minutes of play. Young didn’t return after halftime due to a “left quad contusion.”

Baldwin finished that game with only 7 points, but he helped the team in other ways. He recorded 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals leading to a plus/minus of +18.

His other two Summer League games were as impressive. In the opener, Baldwin had 20 points on 9/13 shooting to go along with 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Then, against the Spurs on Tuesday, he had 16 points, 9 assists, 5 steals and 1 block.

Over the three preliminary games, he averaged 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8 assists and 2.3 steals on 56.3% shooting. His cumulative plus/minus was +50.

All-Vegas First Team

These numbers earned him recognition on the Summer League scale. The Starters, a NBATV show which announced the Blazers-Spurs game, included Baldwin on its All-Vegas First Team.

Wade Baldwin’s contract with the Blazers is not guaranteed, meaning he can still wind up off the roster come regular season.

Last year, Baldwin played for Portland on a two-way contract. His scoring numbers from the G-League, along with his energy and defense displayed in the final games, put him in consideration for a proper roster spot.

With this Summer League performance, the Blazers need to guarantee his contract and bring him back for another season.