Could Wade Baldwin Make All-Summer League First Team?

Wade Baldwin IV has been the clear star for the Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Summer League. The former first-round pick, playing right now on a non-guaranteed contract, scored 20 points in the first game, had a near-triple-double in the second game, and recorded 16 points, 9 assists in the third pool play game. Ahead of the tournament — which the Blazers have a bye in — NBA TV’s “The Starters” have Baldwin pegged as All-Summer League First Team:

“Primarily what comprises Summer League are guys vying for their jobs, not the stars like Deandre Ayton, so that’s why Wade Baldwin on here is important for me because I think he earned his contract here.”

Baldwin is currently averaging 14.3 points, 8.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game over Portland’s three Summer League games. Teammate Caleb Swanigan made First Team last Summer League as a rookie.

The Blazers have until July 19 to make a decision on cutting or guaranteeing Baldwin’s non-guaranteed 2018-19 salary.