TUALATIN - Portland Trail Blazers rookie Caleb Love went unselected during the 2025 NBA draft despite scoring 2,762 points while playing for two national powerhouses, North Carolina and Arizona.
The primary concerns about Love that likely led to him going undrafted centered on his questionable shot selection and poor shooting percentages.
Now at the NBA level, Love, listed at 6-foot-4 in college but 6-2 on the Blazers’ Summer League roster, is determined to improve in all areas, including playmaking.
“I feel like I’m versatile,” Love said following Sunday’s practice at the Blazers’ Tualatin facility. “Any role you put me in, I can succeed, as far as being a point guard and showcasing my playmaking abilities.”
Blazers assistant coach Ronnie Burrell, who will coach the team during the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, hopes to see Love grow as a leader.
“I want him, as a guy who’s gonna be handling the ball sometimes, to be more vocal,” Burrell said. “He’s got a bit of a quiet nature.”
But not while on the attack.
“He does a great job putting the pressure on the rim, pressuring the ball at both ends of the floor,” Burrell said. “He brings quite a bit of intensity and he’s skilled and tough. The pace that we play at, he fits right in.”
Love worked out for the Blazers on May 27. He said he remained in close contact with the franchise heading into the draft on June 25-26. After going undrafted, Love was scooped up quickly by the Blazers on the final day of the draft and signed to a two-way deal.
“We felt like the Trail Blazers were the best fit,” Love said.
Yet, he struggles in an area where the Blazers need improvement.
Arizona vs. Duke men's basketball
Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) during a NCAA college basketball game against Duke Blue Devils guard Tyrese Proctor (5) Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz.(AP Photo/Darryl Webb)AP
Portland ranked 26th in three-point shooting last season (34.2%). Love, who averaged 14.6 points per game over three seasons with the Tar Heels and 17.6 in two seasons with the Wildcats, shot just 38% from the field for his career, including 32.6% from three-point range.
Those numbers won’t cut it at the NBA level, especially for an undersized combo guard.
Decision-making has also been a concern. According to various scouting reports, Love is considered to be an aggressive scorer who attacks the basket and isn’t shy about getting off a shot no matter the circumstances.
However, this has at times led to poor shot selection and an unwillingness to pass to open teammates instead of overdribbling.
Love recognizes these weaknesses and is determined to fix them.
“I think as you practice and watch a lot of film, I see where my shots are coming from, where passes are supposed to be,” he said. “And so I think just getting more and more reps, I feel like it’s gonna translate in summer league.”
Defensively, Love should fit right in. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has made it clear that he won’t tolerate lazy defense, especially in the backcourt where he excelled during his playing days.
On a young team searching for pieces, Love sees himself making a mark on defense as a pest on the ball, getting over screens and being able to get out in transition following stops.
“I feel like I can fit right in and contribute right away,” Love said.
That includes becoming more vocal, as Burrell seeks.
“I think it’s just me being comfortable and talking to my teammates and obviously getting to know them a lot more as days go by,” Love said. “We’re creating a little bit of chemistry. Just me being comfortable with speaking my voice.”
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
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