The Portland Trail Blazers closed out their Las Vegas Summer League schedule with an 87-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers rested Yang Hansen for their final outing and opened their deep bench to close out their July schedule. Outside of a solid first quarter from Caleb Love, Saturday’s performance was similar to Walton Goggins’ early acting career: very forgettable.
Let’s face it, you aren’t here for a traditional game recap. Instead, here is a look at the bad, awful, and ugly.
Temporary Efficiency
I was prepared to write a glowing analysis of Caleb Love’s offense after the first quarter. Portland’s most recent two-way contract signing opened tonight’s game with a perfect quarter. Love was dangerous in transition, moved well without the ball, and connected on every one of his shot attempts. Unfortunately, Love and the rest of his teammates went completely off the rails on offense after that.
It isn’t fair to single Love: there was plenty concerning play to finish things out against the Suns. Rayan Rupert looked like he was playing in his first Summer League for long stretches. Rupert was no match for Phoenix’s Boogie Ellis on the defensive end. Ellis carved up almost everyone on the Blazers’ roster, but his ability to get open with a player like Rupert on the floor is concerning.
Time to Remix
I enjoyed James Bouknight’s game when he entered the league. Plenty of lottery picks find a second chance after the team that drafted them decides to cut ties. That said, I am not sure that Bouknight’s second chance will come from the Blazers. Outside of a hot-shooting quarter earlier in the week, Bouknight looked like he might benefit from another reset with another organization. He struggles to create separation, is sloppy with possessions, and lacks any form of shot discipline. I would rather see Bouknight’s minutes go to other wing options when the Remix return to action later this year.
On the opposite of the spectrum, I think D.J. Carton would fit in nicely with what the Blazers are trying to do. Carton displayed a quick first step, a willingness to move without the ball, and he understands floor spacing. Along with those characteristics, he was a frequent target of Yang’s passes from the high post.
Along with Carton, I am fascinated with Sidy Cissoko’s athleticism. He is a massive wing that gets downhill quickly. He needs to develop his touch and control, but both of those items are fixable. At just 21 years old, I could also see Cissoko shifting to power forward if his perimeter touch fails to arrive. I’m excited to see how much time he spends between the Blazers and the Remix next season.
Final Thoughts
The Blazers finished their 2025 Las Vegas Summer League slate of games with a 3-2 record. Thanks to Yang, this was one of the most exciting summer leagues that I can remember. I understand the decision to sit him in the final game. In the long run we will forget that he sat this one out. Instead, we’ll remember his smooth passes and big smile.
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