All in!! Anfernee Simons 2.0

[three3d]

I'm honestly shocked to see KCP held in such high regard around here. He's always seemed like nothing more than a mid-tier role player at best ever team he's on. I know he had a nice little role on Denver, sure, but he's never progressed past being a 10/4 guy on ... OK? (being generous) shooting. Maybe he's a good defender... but yeah... the thought that the Magic would get Ant and bring him off the bench so they can keep KCP starting seems like crazy talk from an outsider... but maybe you all have seen something I haven't.

Honestly, I have KCP as a deal killer for any Ant to Orlando trade, I actively don't want him as the main salary piece coming back to Portland as I think he's overpaid and a worse contract than Ant by a mile. I would sooner let Ant expire for nothing than take back KCP's deal.

KCP is not a long term strategy. He essentially signed a two year contract. Just based off their moves, for better or worse, the Magic seem to have all their faith in the progress of Black and Suggs in the backcourt. The only place for Simons is on the bench but this is just my opinion.

I love Simons and would love him on the team but the idea of him being on this team outside a 6th man role is just far fetched hence why I think the idea of even trading for him seems impossible. I just don’t think the magic drafted Black 6th overall to have him sitting on the bench.

We can’t fall in love with bad pics or fits. I don’t think anyone would be able to say they ever see AB develop an offensive game anywhere near Simons. Why do we keep having to have offensively limited guards like Fultz, Elfrid Payton, Chris Duhon, Michael Carter Williams. Does anyone see the trend ?

[Rainwater]

I'm honestly shocked to see KCP held in such high regard around here. He's always seemed like nothing more than a mid-tier role player at best ever team he's on. I know he had a nice little role on Denver, sure, but he's never progressed past being a 10/4 guy on ... OK? (being generous) shooting. Maybe he's a good defender... but yeah... the thought that the Magic would get Ant and bring him off the bench so they can keep KCP starting seems like crazy talk from an outsider... but maybe you all have seen something I haven't.

Honestly, I have KCP as a deal killer for any Ant to Orlando trade, I actively don't want him as the main salary piece coming back to Portland as I think he's overpaid and a worse contract than Ant by a mile. I would sooner let Ant expire for nothing than take back KCP's deal.

KCP is not a long term strategy. He essentially signed a two year contract. Just based off their moves, for better or worse, the Magic seem to have all their faith in the progress of Black and Suggs in the backcourt. The only place for Simons is on the bench but this is just my opinion.

I love Simons and would love him on the team but the idea of him being on this team outside a 6th man role is just far fetched hence why I think the idea of even trading for him seems impossible. I just don’t think the magic drafted Black 6th overall to have him sitting on the bench.

Agree...they must have thought he'd be better.

I am not biggest AB guy, I don’t like the long term fit, I’d prefer to have Simons, but he has made significant progress despite being inconsistent. I really do believe he will be starting next year. It’s only his second year. Fans are so caught up in winning this year, I don’t think that is where management heads’ are at. It’s about the progress.

[Rainwater]

I'm honestly shocked to see KCP held in such high regard around here. He's always seemed like nothing more than a mid-tier role player at best ever team he's on. I know he had a nice little role on Denver, sure, but he's never progressed past being a 10/4 guy on ... OK? (being generous) shooting. Maybe he's a good defender... but yeah... the thought that the Magic would get Ant and bring him off the bench so they can keep KCP starting seems like crazy talk from an outsider... but maybe you all have seen something I haven't.

Honestly, I have KCP as a deal killer for any Ant to Orlando trade, I actively don't want him as the main salary piece coming back to Portland as I think he's overpaid and a worse contract than Ant by a mile. I would sooner let Ant expire for nothing than take back KCP's deal.

KCP is not a long term strategy. He essentially signed a two year contract. Just based off their moves, for better or worse, the Magic seem to have all their faith in the progress of Black and Suggs in the backcourt. The only place for Simons is on the bench but this is just my opinion.

I love Simons and would love him on the team but the idea of him being on this team outside a 6th man role is just far fetched hence why I think the idea of even trading for him seems impossible. I just don’t think the magic drafted Black 6th overall to have him sitting on the bench.

We can’t fall in love with bad pics or fits. I don’t think anyone would be able to say they ever see AB develop an offensive game anywhere near Simons. Why do we keep having to have offensively limited guards like Fultz, Elfrid Payton, Chris Duhon, Michael Carter Williams. Does anyone see the trend ?

I agree with you but I don’t think management agrees with you though. I really feel like many will feel disappointed when nothing happens during the trade deadline.

[three3d]

KCP is not a long term strategy. He essentially signed a two year contract. Just based off their moves, for better or worse, the Magic seem to have all their faith in the progress of Black and Suggs in the backcourt. The only place for Simons is on the bench but this is just my opinion.

I love Simons and would love him on the team but the idea of him being on this team outside a 6th man role is just far fetched hence why I think the idea of even trading for him seems impossible. I just don’t think the magic drafted Black 6th overall to have him sitting on the bench.

We can’t fall in love with bad pics or fits. I don’t think anyone would be able to say they ever see AB develop an offensive game anywhere near Simons. Why do we keep having to have offensively limited guards like Fultz, Elfrid Payton, Chris Duhon, Michael Carter Williams. Does anyone see the trend ?

I agree with you but I don’t think management agrees with you. I really feel like many will feel disappointed when nothing happens during the trade deadline.

Thanks, Weltman gets his fair share of the blame and criticism but this same problem has been going on well before him. Someone has a very flawed opinion on what works and what they want done.

[tester551]

I'm honestly shocked to see KCP held in such high regard around here. He's always seemed like nothing more than a mid-tier role player at best ever team he's on. I know he had a nice little role on Denver, sure, but he's never progressed past being a 10/4 guy on ... OK? (being generous) shooting. Maybe he's a good defender... but yeah... the thought that the Magic would get Ant and bring him off the bench so they can keep KCP starting seems like crazy talk from an outsider... but maybe you all have seen something I haven't.

Honestly, I have KCP as a deal killer for any Ant to Orlando trade, I actively don't want him as the main salary piece coming back to Portland as I think he's overpaid and a worse contract than Ant by a mile. I would sooner let Ant expire for nothing than take back KCP's deal.

DustBuster you’re actually the perfect person to run this by. In another thread I’ve been pushing the addition of Terry Stotts to the Magic bench to implement an offense structured around Paolo, Franz, and the addition of Anfernee Simons. What were the overall feelings on Stotts for you’ll, and what was his relationship with Simons like being that Simons was behind Dame and CJ?

Is there another team that might value KCP? Be able to do a 3-way trade? I'm not sure who that team would be.

Regarding Stotts -> He seemed to always have a great relationship with all his players, including Simons. His main flaw (from my viewpoint) always seemed to be finding the right balance between pushing players towards excellence and being buddy-buddy with them. At least publicly, he held a good to above average standard... but not top tier.

I viewed him as a fantastic ASSISTANT coach - who can have the relationship with the players. As a head coach, he was mediocre IMO.

[three3d]

I'm honestly shocked to see KCP held in such high regard around here. He's always seemed like nothing more than a mid-tier role player at best ever team he's on. I know he had a nice little role on Denver, sure, but he's never progressed past being a 10/4 guy on ... OK? (being generous) shooting. Maybe he's a good defender... but yeah... the thought that the Magic would get Ant and bring him off the bench so they can keep KCP starting seems like crazy talk from an outsider... but maybe you all have seen something I haven't.

Honestly, I have KCP as a deal killer for any Ant to Orlando trade, I actively don't want him as the main salary piece coming back to Portland as I think he's overpaid and a worse contract than Ant by a mile. I would sooner let Ant expire for nothing than take back KCP's deal.

DustBuster you’re actually the perfect person to run this by. In another thread I’ve been pushing the addition of Terry Stotts to the Magic bench to implement an offense structured around Paolo, Franz, and the addition of Anfernee Simons. What were the overall feelings on Stotts for you’ll, and what was his relationship with Simons like being that Simons was behind Dame and CJ?

Is there another team that might value KCP? Be able to do a 3-way trade? I'm not sure who that team would be.

Regarding Stotts -> He seemed to always have a great relationship with all his players, including Simons. His main flaw (from my viewpoint) always seemed to be finding the right balance between pushing players towards excellence and being buddy-buddy with them. At least publicly, he held a good to above average standard... but not top tier.

I viewed him as a fantastic ASSISTANT coach - who can have the relationship with the players. As a head coach, he was mediocre IMO.

High-volume pick-and-roll:
Stotts' offenses typically revolve around utilizing the pick-and-roll heavily, allowing the ball-handler to make decisions based on the defensive coverage.

Space and movement:
He prioritizes constant player movement off the ball to create space for shooters and drive-and-kick opportunities.

Player empowerment:
Stotts tends to give his players freedom to make decisions within the offensive scheme, encouraging improvisation and adaptability.

"Flare" screens and pindown actions:
These are common elements in his playbook, creating mismatches and allowing players to come off screens with momentum.

Adaptability to personnel:
Stotts has a reputation for tailoring his offense to the strengths of his players, maximizing their individual abilities.

Would the above be accurate as to his offensive philosophies and/or style ?? All that sounds exactly like what needs to be happening with Paolo and Franz and with the addition of the right combo guard would create a lethal offense

[JRoy]

Stotts would be a great addition. Fine offensive coach.

[JRoy]

Stotts would be a great addition. Fine offensive coach.

[three3d]

25 points 7 assists 3 boards, 4-8 from three another SOLID night for Simons smh. Sadly probably the worst most needed trade they will never make .

[CarraT]

25 points 7 assists 3 boards, 4-8 from three another SOLID night for Simons smh. Sadly probably the worst most needed trade they will never make .

Definitely the easiest, most logical one. But still, too much to ask for our lazy af FO

[Skybox]

25 points 7 assists 3 boards, 4-8 from three another SOLID night for Simons smh. Sadly probably the worst most needed trade they will never make .

Definitely the easiest, most logical one. But still, too much to ask for our lazy af FO

Simons is putting the pedal down...trade me NOW or I crash your tank!

[eyriq]

We can’t fall in love with bad pics or fits. I don’t think anyone would be able to say they ever see AB develop an offensive game anywhere near Simons. Why do we keep having to have offensively limited guards like Fultz, Elfrid Payton, Chris Duhon, Michael Carter Williams. Does anyone see the trend ?

I agree with you but I don’t think management agrees with you. I really feel like many will feel disappointed when nothing happens during the trade deadline.

Thanks, Weltman gets his fair share of the blame and criticism but this same problem has been going on well before him. Someone has a very flawed opinion on what works and what they want done.

I LOVE that you think this build is driven by a flawed opinion.

[thelead]

Stotts would be a great addition. Fine offensive coach.

1000%. Stotts' offense with Mosley's defense would be an amazing combo.

[DusterBuster]

Stotts would be a great addition. Fine offensive coach.

1000%. Stotts' offense with Mosley's defense would be an amazing combo.

Late to the Stotts topic, but yes, he would be an amazing addition to any coaching bench. I thought it was really bush league about how much hate he got about his teams defensive deficiencies, particularly when the GM game him a midget roster to work with year after year.

The Bucks really **** up by letting Stotts go when they hired him as the lead assistant but let Griffin bully him out. Griffin should have known his place and been more respectful, and that's why he didn't last more than half a year. The Bucks could have hired him to replace Griffin and that Bucks team would be sooooo much better than hiring Doc.

[three3d]

I agree with you but I don’t think management agrees with you. I really feel like many will feel disappointed when nothing happens during the trade deadline.

Thanks, Weltman gets his fair share of the blame and criticism but this same problem has been going on well before him. Someone has a very flawed opinion on what works and what they want done.

I LOVE that you think this build is driven by a flawed opinion.

And I LOVE that you think I’m talking about this build when I CLEARLY said that this problem has been going on well before him.

[PDXKnight]

Stotts would be a great addition. Fine offensive coach.

Agreed. He feels like a natural fit for Orlando too, seems to enjoy smaller market cities and is a humble gracious guy in general. He'd also be a good backup option for hc if anything went south in Orlando

[PDXKnight]

25 points 7 assists 3 boards, 4-8 from three another SOLID night for Simons smh. Sadly probably the worst most needed trade they will never make .

I think Portland is open to moving him, he's stunting scoots development being here. But I think it'd take a first and contracts lining out in a favorable way ie no bad money past 2026 otherwise Cronin probably shifts to the summer

[DusterBuster]

25 points 7 assists 3 boards, 4-8 from three another SOLID night for Simons smh. Sadly probably the worst most needed trade they will never make .

I think Portland is open to moving him, he's stunting scoots development being here. But I think it'd take a first and contracts lining out in a favorable way ie no bad money past 2026 otherwise Cronin probably shifts to the summer

One hope here in Portland I have is this great January by Scoot will convince Cronin to make that change with Simons. It's really really really time to rip this bandaid off and I hope the Blazers FO agrees with me.

I would love the Blazers to just pick the lane of youth and just post an O-fer with wins the rest of the way of the year, but even if they did that, that still probably leads them to the 6th or 7th seed at best. It wouldn't even shock me to see Portland do a 180 and make a star player move and resign Billups to a 4 year extension. Genuinely all options seem to be on the table for Cronin right now. He could trade Grant and Simons for a bag of chips or trade Ayton and a half-decade of firsts for Zion and I wouldn't be surprised either way.

[three3d]

25 points 7 assists 3 boards, 4-8 from three another SOLID night for Simons smh. Sadly probably the worst most needed trade they will never make .

I think Portland is open to moving him, he's stunting scoots development being here. But I think it'd take a first and contracts lining out in a favorable way ie no bad money past 2026 otherwise Cronin probably shifts to the summer

One hope here in Portland I have is this great January by Scoot will convince Cronin to make that change with Simons. It's really really really time to rip this bandaid off and I hope the Blazers FO agrees with me.

I would love the Blazers to just pick the lane of youth and just post an O-fer with wins the rest of the way of the year, but even if they did that, that still probably leads them to the 6th or 7th seed at best. It wouldn't even shock me to see Portland do a 180 and make a star player move and resign Billups to a 4 year extension. Genuinely all options seem to be on the table for Cronin right now. He could trade Grant and Simons for a bag of chips or trade Ayton and a half-decade of firsts for Zion and I wouldn't be surprised either way.

It’s been rough in here today after last nights loss, all the activity is on the trade thread lol. I’m hopeful for a Simons trade but think we’ve got bigger problems. Mosley is a great coach but I think we are severely lacking qualified assistant coaches. Specifically an offensive minded coach on the staff to mold an offense around Paolo and Franz. I don’t know if a player trade will work until the offense has a blueprint to follow or vision. I’m feeling like that’s really hurting us because there’s just no way players forget how to play basketball or shoot the ball.

[DusterBuster]

I think Portland is open to moving him, he's stunting scoots development being here. But I think it'd take a first and contracts lining out in a favorable way ie no bad money past 2026 otherwise Cronin probably shifts to the summer

One hope here in Portland I have is this great January by Scoot will convince Cronin to make that change with Simons. It's really really really time to rip this bandaid off and I hope the Blazers FO agrees with me.

I would love the Blazers to just pick the lane of youth and just post an O-fer with wins the rest of the way of the year, but even if they did that, that still probably leads them to the 6th or 7th seed at best. It wouldn't even shock me to see Portland do a 180 and make a star player move and resign Billups to a 4 year extension. Genuinely all options seem to be on the table for Cronin right now. He could trade Grant and Simons for a bag of chips or trade Ayton and a half-decade of firsts for Zion and I wouldn't be surprised either way.

It’s been rough in here today after last nights loss, all the activity is on the trade thread lol. I’m hopeful for a Simons trade but think we’ve got bigger problems. Mosley is a great coach but I think we are severely lacking qualified assistant coaches. Specifically an offensive minded coach on the staff to mold an offense around Paolo and Franz. I don’t know if a player trade will work until the offense has a blueprint to follow or vision. I’m feeling like that’s really hurting us because there’s just no way players forget how to play basketball or shoot the ball.

From a non-statistic related "vibes" check, your guys team has something very wrong. That's not a team that's happy or connected.

I would agree that Simons isn't the answer that's going to fix it. Simons is a really good player, but he's not a culture setter... that said, winning helps everything. If he can help peal off a few wins, that can help the vibes of the team alone. Which for the right price, might be worth the deal, then obviously fix the bigger problems.

The reality is, there is no "one move" that's going to fix the Magic from what I've seen of them, but that alone is not a reason to sit on your hands. Teams need to keep moving forward on all fronts, even through rough patches.