Anyone who has followed Caleb Love’s career, especially back through his time with Bradley Beal Elite isn’t surprised that he’s already making an impact at the professional level.
The only shock is that everyone else didn’t see this coming.
After five college seasons with two top tier NCAA programs at North Carolina and Arizona, Caleb graduated and entered the NBA Draft, but didn’t hear his name called in either round. Following the draft, the Portland TrailBlazers signed Caleb to a two-way contract. At worst, he would continue to marinate in the G-League until Portland had a need. But Caleb didn’t need to wait long.
He made his NBA debut in the season’s first week, contributing five points and four rebounds despite playing just 11 minutes in a win over the Lakers. He played a similar role in a win over Utah two days later. Five points, four assists in 8 minutes. He was inactive for the team’s next five gamers, but re-entered the rotation on November 14th and since then he’s been contributing in a big way.
On November 21st, Caleb helped the Blazers snap a four-game slide with the best night of his pro career: 26 points on 9-for-20 from the field. He drilled six threes, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists as the Blazers beat the Warriors 127-123.
Caleb had four double-digit scoring games in nine games played in November. He averaged nearly 20 minutes per game in those nine games, 8.9 points, three rebounds and two assists. His place in the Blazers rotation was cemented from there.
He came up big for the Blazers again on December 3rd, pouring in 20 points on 7-of-15 and adding five rebounds in a 122-120 win over Cleveland. Portland is hanging in at 10th in the West one third of the way through the season and Caleb’s contributions are a big reason why.
Caleb Love is one of the best NBA rookie stories.
Not sure many people thought he was still an NBA player when his college career ended, but he’s made an impact for the Blazers, including 20 last night.
Mentioned him in the exceeding expectations piece: https://t.co/VwkB9Prj18 pic.twitter.com/TGJx0na5cZ
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) December 4, 2025
“It’s a blessing, just to come out here and play basketball, the game that I love,” Caleb said after his game against Golden State. It’s a blessing that I get the opportunity…I just thank all my teammates. They trust in me and I just put the work in. I’m just grateful.”
