The Utah Jazz fell to a loaded Portland Trailblazers roster in their Las Vegas Summer League Debut, 93-78. The Jazz struggled to shoot the ball as a team, making just 38% of their field goals, and 25% of their three point shots.
Grayson Allen set a summer league career high with 16 points, on 6 of 17 shooting, struggling from behind the three point line where he made just 2 of his 9 attempts. Allen showed off a better ability to finish inside the arch, making 4 of his 8 attempts, including a collection of push shots and finishes near the rim. Allen once again showed his willingness to act as a ball mover, quickly rotating the ball around the perimeter in the first quarter, regularly finding teammates for open looks. His willingness to play with the pass should benefit him in Quin Snyder’s rotation, finding the Jazz perimeter shooters. Allen finished with five assists, and six rebounds in 28 minutes. Allen was a team worst -22 while on the floor.
Once again, Allen found himself at the center of a physical altercation, when int he fourth quarter, Portland’s Wade Baldwin IV took a swipe at Allen’s face after getting fouled by Georges Niang. Baldwin was ejected, and Allen didn’t receive any penalty for the incident, but it does mark Allen’s second dustup in three summer league outings.
Tony Bradley failed to record a double double for the first time in his four Summer League outings, but did finish with 16 points on 6 of 7 shooting, and snared six rebounds.
Stanton Kidd continues to make a case as a potential two-way contract option for the Jazz. Kidd scored 13 points on 5 of 10 shooting, and made 3 of his 6 three point attempts. With an NBA frame and high level athleticism, the 26 year-old could project as quality 3-D prospect in the NBA.
The Blazers host five former first round draft picks, including Georgios Papagiannis, Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan, Anfernee Simons, and Baldwin. Simons showed good poise for his age, having played five years of high school at the IMG Academy, rather than attending college. Simons finished with 11 points on 4 of 6 shooting.
