Amidst all of the craziness that is NBA free agency, it is easy to forget that the 2019 NBA Summer League is about to kick off. Taking place in July from the 5th to 15th, the tournament offers the first opportunity for fans to watch the league’s brightest stars in action.

The Portland Trail Blazers have a reason to be increasingly optimistic. The Blazers Summer League squad has been extremely successful over the past few years, losing to a Los Angeles Lakers team with Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram in the championship game in 2017. The team rebounded in 2018, defeating the Lakers in the tournament title game.

This year’s team has a mix of returning talent, fresh faces, and experienced players, which bodes well as the Blazers are looking to make their third straight title game and repeat as champions. Who are the members looking to bring summer glory to Rip City once again?

Height/Weight: 6’4” 185 lbs.

College: IMG Academy (Prep School)

NBA/G-League Experience: 1

Selected with the 24th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Simons’ rookie year did not consist of much time on the court. He averaged 3.8 points on 34.5% three point shooting in 7.1 minutes per game, but Portland is extremely high on Simons’ potential.

Height/Weight: 6’1” 200 lbs.

College: Notre Dame

NBA/G-League Experience: 3

Since his selection with the 45th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Jackson has struggled to find his footing in the NBA, most recently spending time with Philadelphia on a two-way contract. Jackson was college teammates with ex-Blazer Pat Connaughton and fellow Summer League teammate Zach Auguste.

Height/Weight: 6’4” 213 lbs.

College: Seton Hall

NBA/G-League Experience: 2

One of the more experienced players on this roster, Whitehead comes to Las Vegas armed with a strong scoring arsenal. Whitehead spent the first part of last season in Russia, and finished the year on a two-way deal with Detroit, averaging 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1 steal, and 0.9 blocks per game with the Grand Rapids Drive. Whitehead spent time with the Nets from 2016-2018.

Height/Weight: 6’2” 185 lbs.

College: Louisville

NBA/G-League Experience: 2

Lewis played at two different colleges before completing his eligibility at Louisville. Lewis spent last season with the Salt Lake City Stars and put up numbers of 12.6 points and 2.4 assists during his time there. In July of 2017, Lewis signed a partially guaranteed deal with the Dallas Mavericks to join the preseason roster, but then was put on a two-way deal.

Height/Weight: 6’2” 185 lbs.

College: Louisville

NBA/G-League Experience: 1

Lewis played at two different colleges before completing his eligibility at Louisville. He signed with the Jazz in August of 2018 but then was waived in the October. Lewis spent last season with the Salt Lake City Stars and put up numbers of 12.6 points and 2.4 assists during his time there.

Height/Weight: 6’6” 205 lbs.

College: Duke 

NBA/G-League Experience: 1

Trent Jr. also had a rookie season that was mostly spent spectating and rarely saw time on the court. Despite the lack of opportunity, he showcased his sky-high potential in the G League, averaging 33.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on scorching shooting numbers. 

Height/Weight: 6’4” 210 lbs.

College: Louisiana State

NBA/G-League Experience: 2

Hornsby is the son of Grammy winning musician Bruce Hornsby. After finishing his college career at LSU in 2016, Hornsby has been on the Texas Legends. Last season, Hornsby led the G League in three point field goal percentage at 48.5%. Hornsby signed with the Mavericks on July of 2016, but was waived in October.

Height/Weight: 6’8” 210 lbs.

College: Wake Forest

NBA/G-League Experience: R

Another top prospect in the class of 2018 (high school), Hoard averaged 13.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during his lone season with the Demon Deacons. Hoard is currently on a two-way deal with Portland. 

Height/Weight: 6’8” 201 lbs.

College: Florida

NBA/G-League Experience: 2

Robinson is an über athletic wing with potential to turn into a 3 and D wing. After spending the last two season with the Wizards on a two-way deal and G League contract, Robinson will be looking to show Portland he can contribute consistently. 

Height/Weight: 6’11” 235 lbs.

College: Kentucky

NBA/G-League Experience: 3

Labissiere was acquired by Portland from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Caleb Swanigan at the trade deadline this past February. The former 2016 1st round pick scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Kings in the regular season finale. 

Height/Weight: 6’9” 235 lbs.

College: South Dakota State

Experience: R

Daum is one of the most accomplished college basketball players in recent history. In February, he became the 10th player in Division 1 history to eclipse 3000 points and is a three time Summit League Player of the Year. 

Height/Weight: 6’9” 260 lbs.

College: Tennessee

NBA/G-League Experience: 3

Another relatively experienced player, Stokes has bounced around the NBA since becoming the Grizzlies’ selection with the 35th pick in 2014. Stokes spent last Summer League on Portland's Summer League title team before heading over to China for the 2018-19 season. 

Height/Weight: 6’10” 243 lbs.

College: Notre Dame

NBA/G-League Experience: R

Auguste is another impressive athlete who has yet to find his NBA position. After averaging 11.4 points and 7.0 rebounds for Galatasaray in Turkey this past year, the college teammate of Connaughton and Jackson looks to catch on with an NBA team. Auguste was on the Lakers Summer League roster in 2017 and the Heat's Summer League team in 2018. 

Height/Weight: 6’6” 220 lbs.

College: North Carolina

NBA/G-League Experience: R

Little was a highly touted recruit entering his freshman season, ranked 6th in the 2018 class by ESPN. While he struggled to find consistent playing time on a experienced heavy North Carolina team, he still managed to make an impact as the team’s fourth leading scorer at 9.8 points per game in only 18.2 minutes.

Height/Weight: 6’6” 200 lbs.

College: Montana State

NBA/G-League Experience: R

A powerful wing who showcased his bounce at Montana State, Blevins averaged 11.8 points this past season for the Bearcats. Blevins is the cousin of current Blazers guard Damian Lillard, who has taken on a mentorship role in Blevins’ life since losing his dad to a heart attack.

*Photo credit: Montana State Athletics