Portland Trail Blazers rookie Caleb Love spoke to the media after a summer league practice at the team’s Tualatin, Oregon facility on July 6, 2025. Despite a successful college career, where he scored a total of 2,762 points playing for North Carolina and Arizona, Love went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Concerns over his shot selection and shooting efficiency likely contributed to this outcome.
Standing at 6-foot-2 on the Blazers’ Summer League roster, Love is committed to developing his game, particularly in the area of playmaking. “I feel like I’m versatile,” he stated, expressing his readiness to adapt to different roles, particularly as a point guard.
Blazers assistant coach Ronnie Burrell, who will be overseeing the team during the Summer League in Las Vegas, shared his hopes for Love to embrace a leadership role. “I want him to be more vocal,” Burrell noted, acknowledging Love’s naturally quiet demeanor. He highlighted Love’s ability to apply pressure on both ends of the court, noting his intensity and skill which align well with the team’s pace of play.
Having had a workout with the Blazers before the draft, Love felt a strong connection with the franchise, leading to his signing of a two-way deal after the draft concluded. Nevertheless, his scoring proficiency remains a concern. Last season, the Trail Blazers ranked 26th in three-point shooting at 34.2%. Love recorded a career shooting percentage of only 38%, with 32.6% from beyond the arc, which poses a challenge as he transitions to the NBA.
Scouting reports have pointed out Love’s aggressive scoring style, which has sometimes resulted in poor shot selection and hesitance to pass to teammates. Aware of these issues, Love is focused on refinement. “Watching a lot of film, I see where my shots are coming from, where passes are supposed to be,” he said. He believes that increased practice and repetition will lead to improvements during the summer league.
Defensively, Love aims to make an immediate impact, aligning with Coach Chauncey Billups’ emphasis on strong defensive play. He is motivated to become a disruptive force on the ball and to excel in transition after defensive stops.
As Love continues to build chemistry with his teammates and become more vocal, he is optimistic about his contribution to the team. “I can fit right in and contribute right away,” he remarked, looking forward to developing his role with the Blazers.
Love’s determination and willingness to learn from his experiences could lead him to carve out a significant place within the Trail Blazers’ roster. With his potential and focus on growth, there is an encouraging outlook for both Love and the team as they work together toward success this season.