Summer League Game One

Summer League games occupy an NBA importance standing that ranks somewhere below a preseason game and above All-Star Weekend's 2Ball (RIP). The game means nothing, but at least you learn something about guys that hope to occupy one of the last three spots on the team. Of course, there are exceptions, with touted first rounders, but mostly it's a carnival of desperation. Still, that's what gives the Summer League its appeal. These guys won't be dogging it because they simply can't afford it. The game means almost nothing to the people watching it on television or from the stands, but means everything to the guys on the floor, the guys begging to get called off the bench just so they can show they can knock down the three to anybody who can see them. Summer Leaguers, I salute you.

Let's get down to the Blazers.

Patty Mills is the easiest guy to go after because he has by far the most to gain or lose in this round of Summer League. He's in the best position to make a run for another NBA contract. No matter what though, it's safe to assume that contract won't be paid for by Paul Allen. Anyway, last night he played the best of any outside player, with a surprising number of assists. If he leads Summer League in assists, while putting up respectable turnover and point numbers, he should catch on somewhere. The Heat are looking for a PG to take the minimum.

Babbitt neither impressed nor distressed. His shot looked pretty (Martell-esque, I may dare to say) and he took it whenever he had any space. He wasn't afraid to put the ball on the floor, but that may be more of a result of his level of competition than of his actual ability.

Dante looked like he was a step above anyone on the floor. His numbers weren't that eye-popping, but he did what he's always done. He also led the team in +/- at +24. I cannot wait for year two of the Inferno.

Jeff looked lost. Let's just take a mulligan.

Armon Johnson fit in nicely, filling up the stat line and making plays for himself.

Overall, with such a dominating performance over the team thought to be the best at the tournament, this may be the best Summer League team the Blazers have fielded since that Brandon Roy-LaMarcus Aldridge juggernaut from 2006. Then again, being a dominant Summer League team is like having the world's greatest collection of commemorative plates. Some work went into it, but overall, it really doesn't matter.