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Candidates on Portland Trail Blazers’ summer team to make the roster

By Aneesh Namburi

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Devin Robinson #38 Portland Trail Blazers goes up for a dunk against of the Detroit Pistons during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2019 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Devin Robinson #38 Portland Trail Blazers goes up for a dunk against of the Detroit Pistons during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2019 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Are there any NBA worthy players on the Portland Trail Blazers Summer League roster?

The Portland Trail Blazers have two open roster spots left. While most believe that those spots will be filled by veterans, there is a decent possibility that Neil Olshey could take a chance on a potential laden player, possibly from the 2019 NBA Summer League.

The exciting thing about the NBA Summer League is that it offers teams and fans alike a chance to look at the future young stars of the game. While most attention is focused on recently high draft picks, an underrated part of the tournament is the ability to find diamonds in the rough. Every year, high quality NBA players blossom, and are rewarded with NBA contracts.

Almost anyone participating in Summer League is worthy of making an NBA roster. But the goal is obviously to find the best of the players in Vegas that is a good fit for Portland.

On the Blazers Summer League roster, they hold three NBA players: Anfernee Simons, Gary Trent Jr., and Nassir Little. On top of that, they also are sporting two-way player Jaylen Hoard.

Are there any players, either from Portland’s summer roster or another team, could be players that could find their way onto the Blazers roster for the 2019-20 season?

Devin Robinson

Currently on Portland’s summer league squad after spending the last two seasons splitting time with the Washington Wizards and their G League team, Devin Robinson is an athletic freak.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1081388465974063104

Coming out of Florida in 2017, Robinson was (correctly) labeled as an elite athlete with good size at 6-foot-8, but one without many definable NBA skills. Unfortunately, this is still largely the case. Although he has shown flashes as a scorer and shooter, he has not been able to show it consistently. Throw in his lackluster defense, mostly due to effort, and you can see why he has not broken through in the league yet.

For Portland, Robinson is the best NBA prospect they have on their Summer League roster not already on an NBA deal. He could be a decent candidate for a two way deal if the Blazers are able to teach him how to pick his spots in games and change his mindset.

Chris Boucher

Oregon area natives should be familiar with Chris Boucher. After starring at the local University of Oregon, he had an unfortunate end to his college career by tearing his ACL in the midst of the Ducks 2017 Final Four run. Since then, he has worked his way into the NBA, winning championships in each of his first two seasons. This past year, he won the G League MVP and Defensive Player of the Year on Raptors 905, averaging 27.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game. His skill level is clearly good enough to be a factor in the league, but there are a few things holding him back.

The biggest issue is his age. Boucher is already 26 years old, much past the development stage of most prospects. While he has proven that he is no normal player, it is a little concerning how much he will be able to progress. Additionally, his skinny frame makes it tough for match NBA physciality. The upside is that his lean (that’s calling it lightly) frame helps his fluidity, and he puts in the effort, but it is tough to see him being able to hold up against NBA centers. For a Portland team looking at depth down low, Boucher is worth giving a shot.

Mike Daum

A high scoring big from South Dakota State who surpassed 3000 points in his college career, Daum’s shooting abilities fit perfectly in the NBA. He also has the size to defend against some of the league’s bigger players.

However, he is lacking in quickness and NBA athleticism. If Portland’s talented development staff can work on him coming up to par physically, he could soon be a valuable rotation piece.

Rashad Vaughn

A former first round pick, Rashad Vaughn flamed out with the Milwaukee Bucks. But, the Blazers love their reclamation projects, and the talent is still there for Vaughn, so taking a chance on the former UNLV star could pay off.

With a strong scoring arsenal in an NBA body, Vaughn, like many other NBA flameouts, was never able to put all his talent together consistently. In Portland’s system, he would have a very limited role, but would learn how to play in the league from the ground up.

Next. What has Anfernee Simons shown so far in Summer League?. dark

Obviously there are more candidates to choose from, but these are just a couple of players who I believe that Portland should keep their eye on.