Will Barton, CJ McCollum

[HailBlazers]

LAS VEGAS – When the Trail Blazers assemble for training camp in late September, one of the key storylines will probably be at backup shooting guard.

Will Barton and CJ McCollum figure to get into a serious competition to be Wesley Matthews' backup on the Blazers' 2014-15 rotation, and if their performances Tuesday in Portland's 91-76 victory over Atlanta in the Samsung NBA Summer League are any indication, it should be a tight race.

Both guards played strong games at the Cox Pavilion, with Barton setting an early tone with his hustle and athleticism, and McCollum unleashing his smooth offensive game in a dominant Blazers victory to end their preliminary round play.

Barton played a sensational first quarter, when he scored 13 points and shot 6 for 7 from the field, and finished with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

"I told my teammates early, I'm going to set the tone," Barton said. "Offense, defense, just bring energy and get my team off to a good start, and I felt like I did that."

McCollum heated up from the second quarter on as he finished with 28 points and shot 10 for 16 from the field, and 6 for 9 from three-point range. This after he had shot 37 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from three-point range in the first two games in Las Vegas.

"I've been getting the same looks basically the first two games," McCollum said. "The first game, Will hit me in the corner at the end of the game, I didn't knock it down. I told him, that's a shot I've got to make. I've been making them all preseason, and all my life. Fortunately it went down today."

McCollum brings a stylish offensive game based a sound jump shot and footwork. He said after his struggles in the first two games, video coordinator Jonathan Yim – who is doubling as an assistant coach in summer league – put together videos of his shots to help him refine his form.

"It was more about keeping my legs underneath me," McCollum said.

McCollum came into the NBA as the No. 10 pick of the 2013 draft. After breaking his foot in training camp, McCollum did not make his NBA debut until January, and he was in and out of the rotation. But he figures to have a solid spot in the Blazers' future plans.

Barton, on the other hand, was a second-round draft pick in 2012, and while the Blazers hold a team option on him for the 2014-15 season, they are expected to keep Barton, who will make a modest $915,000 if he is not waived by July 31.

Barton figures to have an opportunity to earn a more lucrative contract after the season, and admits the possibility motivates him.

"Of course," he said. "I was a second-round pick, went 40th, a lot of people probably thought I wouldn't make it past my first contract. A lot of people probably thought I wouldn't get a contract. And now to be in the discussion to get extended or get another contract, that's a blessing. We're going to see, but right now, I'm focused on being the best player I can be and take it from there."

Will Barton, CJ McCollum offer Trail Blazers a contrast in choice for backup shooting guard spot

Agree with a comment on the article, would like to see both running together with Blake at point.

 

[magnifier661]

Honestly I would love Barton be our back up 3, while CJ is back up 2.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Barton gives up way too much bulk to be able to guard 3s.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I notice that they had Will guarding Schroder in the Atlanta game, even though he was taller than two teammates (Brown and CJ). I'm pretty sure they could put out a bench squad that had Blake, CJ and Will as the three "smalls," as usually the opponent's bench will have some wing player you can hide someone (CJ?) on. So: Will guards the opposition point, Blake/CJ guards the shooting guard and CJ/Blake is on the opposition's SF.

Yeah, that's the ticket! It's not like we have any better options at backup SF. (Unless we're playing a team with a freakish 6'10" backup SF, in which case Claver should be the guy.)

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think lack of size/bulk is a little over rated for wing players in the regular season. (Not for the bigs, just the 1, 2 3)

Lets take Wes for instance, he will often try to post up smaller players when the match up warrants it. But how often does it work? Maybe 2 times a game? Its not really his strength even though he is getting better at it. But isn't he like the 4th option for Portland?

On a given night if the opposing back up SF is good at taking his man down low and using his bulk, then use Wright or Claver instead. But if the opposing player's game is more of an outside shooter, then Will will actually be better than the other two.

My point is often teams will abandon their strengths and game plan for match up advantages, and it backfires.


Now the playoffs could be a different story as teams have more times to prepare and exploit match ups. But I think there will be plenty of games where Will can get minutes at the three. I think we are more flexible than in the recent past.

 

[Further]

Barton gives up way too much bulk to be able to guard 3s.

Against first teamers, certainly. But most of the time Barton would be matched up against a second or third string SF, and I think Bartons athleticism and tenacity on defense should be enough to play him some at the SF. But matchups will matter.

I can also see the two of them, CJ and Barton, sharing both G spots at times, CJ being the 1a and barton 1b as the ball handler/distributor.

Another way to use them is to move Wes to SF at times when Batum is resting, and have wither Barton or CJ get increased time at the SG spot.

There are options, I think CJ will be getting ~15 minutes per game this season, and Barton about 10.

 

[riverman]

Will is skinny but long and athletic with quick hands. Defense isn't all about bulk unless you are a post defender. Nic isn't bulky but his quickness and length allow him to guard multiple positions. I see Will as being able to do the same. Wright and Claver are better at guarding bigger small forwards. I think Stotts has a lot of options to create mismatches now defensively. We can use twin towers, small ball, you name it, our bench has more flexibiltiy. Stotts admitted in the exit interviews that as a coach he has to better utilize the bench without sacrificing the ability to win. We're really lucky to have a smart staff and the talent we have going into this season. We tend to bash the bottom of the bench players but realistically they're not going to be on the court sans garbage time anyway

 

[Pinwheel1]

^ Plus he rebounds well, regardless of his size.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Honestly I would love Barton be our back up 3, while CJ is back up 2.

I think Barton is going to be really good and I doubt he will be a backup for much longer after his contract. You give this guy the ball and he can score.

 

[santeesioux]

I have a feeling one of these guys will take over for Wes at the 2 when his contract is up.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Barton's game kind of reminds me of a poor mans Josh Howard. Now I know Josh was/is bigger at 6'7 210, but he had a knack for scoring in the lane, and was a good rebounder for his size, decent defender. Of course Barton will never be an allstar like Josh, but I think that would be a good goal for him.

 

[BBert]

I'll be shocked if Will is ever more than a good 6th man.

 

[magnifier661]

I'll be shocked if Will is ever more than a good 6th man.

Let's hope you're right. We wouldn't be able to afford him if he's anything more

 

[Draco]

Its unlikely we play will, cj and Blake at the same time. This isn't hockey with line changes we always have a mix of starters and backups. Wes can play backup SF just fine when Batum is out of the game.

 

[Draco]

I'll be shocked if Will is ever more than a good 6th man.

You say that as if it's a bad thing.Having a few good 6th men on the roster would be amazing! With our starters that would make us a clear contender.

 

[BBert]

You say that as if it's a bad thing.Having a few good 6th men on the roster would be amazing! With our starters that would make us a clear contender.

I don't think it's a bad thing. I agree it's a good thing. Some people seem to be excited about Will's potential to be a bona fide starting SG. I'll be shocked if he is, but I'll be thrilled if he's a good 6th man.