Summer League showdown
The Las Vegas Summer League gave fans a first-look chance to see their favorite young talent and NBA hopefuls back in action. Although the Portland Trail Blazers failed in their effort to defend their Summer League title, many players still managed to leave a lasting impression. Who was the most impressive Blazer in Summer League?
Brown: Anfernee Simons showcased himself at this years Summer League in Las Vegas. He not only made a statement that he belongs in the NBA but that he’s ready to hop into an NBA rotation. He excelled and was the best player on the court at all times. Watch for Simons to get a major role increase and be the Blazers sixth or seventh man.
Carroll: I feel like the easy answer is Anfernee Simons. He averaged 22 points on 56 percent shooting and earned an All-Summer League Second Team nod for good reason. But I’d also like to a moment to point out how impressive Jaylen Hoard looked. He did a little bit of everything and was seemingly everywhere on the court. A high motor can carry a player to the league on sheer willpower alone and Hoard has it. For a player on a two-way contract, he looked even more prepared for the league than Nassir Little and will hopefully be given a fair chance to impress next season.
West: Anfernee Simons impressed me most. The Blazers will need him to be a rotation player this year and he looks like he’s ready to be a scoring presence off the bench for the Blazers after he put up some points in Summer League.
We look forward to getting together soon to discuss the latest Portland Trail Blazers news; and hopefully one day soon, an NBA championship.