Thoughts on Anf. Simons

wjun15 · Post #1 » by **wjun15** » Mon Aug 9, 2021 4:40 pm

[code][/code]Personally, I dont know why Olshey is so high on him. He is a spot up shooter at 6"3. Hes basically a Duncan Robinson that is 5 inches shorter and doesnt move as well.

He doesnt have the moves, ball handling to get by defenders, bad playmaking at his position (not a natural PG), and does not use his athleticism (outside of an occasionally open dunk).

I get it he is young, but if hes the one that is preventing us trading CJ (packaging Simons alongside) for quality players I really dont understand Olshey.

At the backup PG you need a guy that can control the pace of the game while Dame is out. Someone who will AT LEAST take the pressure off Dame. Ant does not do that for us. We need guys like Cam Payne, Reggie Jackson that can control the pace, play the PnR and play make for others. Simons just holding the ball and shooting step backs/using picks and not getting anywhere is not what this team needs ESPECIALLY when the goal of this team is to win now with Dame in his prime.

JasonStern · Post #2 » by **JasonStern** » Mon Aug 9, 2021 5:48 pm

Forcing Simons to play point guard is a flawed experiment, but Anfernee Simons has the potential to have an Eric Gordon like career. Whether keeping him on the roster versus trading him for a win-now upgrade is in the Blazers' best interest is certainly debatable, but I'm not sure how anyone can claim the kid doesn't have talent and potential.

JRoy · Post #3 » by **JRoy** » Mon Aug 9, 2021 6:04 pm

Terrible pg, terrible defensive player and his athleticism does not translate to in game situations.

Has become an excellent catch and shoot guy.

Trade him before the rest of the league catches onto his real potential.

BNM · Post #4 » by **BNM** » Mon Aug 9, 2021 9:22 pm

First, Robinson is 6'7", so your math is off. He's 4" taller than Simons. He's also 5 years older and just signed a $90 million contract. Yeah, they are similar 1-dimensional players, but calling Ant a shorter Duncan Robinson may not be the insult you intended it to be.

Robinson also played 3 years of Division 1 college ball, to Ant's zero years of college experience. When he played his first NBA game, Robinson was two years older than Simons is right now. So, not exactly an apples:apples comparison.

Yes, both are very limited, but Simons is much younger and much cheaper. He is also better at creating his own shot.

% of FG Assisted:
Robinson: 2P = .892, 3P = .972
Simons: 2P = .125, 3P = .683

So, clearly 22-year old Ant has a better handle than 27-year old Robinson.

Still, I'd gladly include Simons in a trade that improved the Blazers roster. At this point, no one outside of Damian Lillard should be untouchable, and certainly not Anfernee Simons. It would be nice to have Simons shooting off the bench if we trade CJ, but if the trade lands us someone like Siakam, I'd gladly live with Tony Snell and Ben McLemore filling that role.

Myth · Post #5 » by **Myth** » Tue Aug 10, 2021 2:26 am

Simons is an excellent catch and shoot player who can develop into a better driving spark plug off the bench. That said, he is a really poor fit for this team. We have multiple better scoring options, so we need a better defender in his minutes or at minimum a better distributor.

Village Idiot · Post #6 » by **Village Idiot** » Tue Aug 10, 2021 1:23 pm

Simons is developing pretty well. His catch and shoot game is elite and has been mentioned. He has also developed into a really solid pick-and-roll handler. He ranked in the 79.8 percentile. The guy above him no the list is Chris Paul.

His at rim finishing is atrocious. 45.7% from less that five feet is lowest on the team.

He's a lesser version of CJ and Norm and provides a decent back-up if we trade CJ or should be a chip in any potential deal. He's a nice to have, not a need to have.

Ant and CJ2 to Toronto for Boucher is a deal I'd love to see happen.

Blazinaway · Post #7 » by **Blazinaway** » Tue Aug 10, 2021 3:40 pm

Village Idiot wrote:Simons is developing pretty well. His catch and shoot game is elite and has been mentioned. He has also developed into a really solid pick-and-roll handler. He ranked in the 79.8 percentile. The guy above him no the list is Chris Paul.

His at rim finishing is atrocious. 45.7% from less that five feet is lowest on the team.

He's a lesser version of CJ and Norm and provides a decent back-up if we trade CJ or should be a chip in any potential deal. He's a nice to have, not a need to have.

Ant and CJ2 to Toronto for Boucher is a deal I'd love to see happen.

I'd love that Ant/CJ2 deal for Boucher to happen! Then try to sign Frank Ntilikina

Village Idiot · Post #8 » by **Village Idiot** » Tue Aug 10, 2021 4:01 pm

Blazinaway wrote:
Village Idiot wrote:Simons is developing pretty well. His catch and shoot game is elite and has been mentioned. He has also developed into a really solid pick-and-roll handler. He ranked in the 79.8 percentile. The guy above him no the list is Chris Paul.

His at rim finishing is atrocious. 45.7% from less that five feet is lowest on the team.

He's a lesser version of CJ and Norm and provides a decent back-up if we trade CJ or should be a chip in any potential deal. He's a nice to have, not a need to have.

Ant and CJ2 to Toronto for Boucher is a deal I'd love to see happen.

I'd love that Ant/CJ2 deal for Boucher to happen! Then try to sign Frank Ntilikina

You read my mind. I'd love to have Frank as a hungry, defensive focused guard.

Wizenheimer · Post #9 » by **Wizenheimer** » Wed Aug 11, 2021 4:43 pm

Simons does one thing very well, going by last season, and that's shoot the three-ball. That happens to be a valuable skill in the NBA so he'll have a long career

but, that's really the only skill he has developed, and he just finished his 3rd season in the league. And he has had consistent playing time as a 6'3 guard, the size and position that develops most quickly in the NBA. Meaning, the excuse of inexperience is wearing pretty thin. He's a one-trick pony but Portland needs a much more versatile horse

we know Olshey loves him and we know he's eligible for his extension this summer. I've been dreading the announcement that Olshey has locked Simons up on a bloated contract.

DusterBuster · Post #10 » by **DusterBuster** » Thu Aug 12, 2021 1:24 am

wjun15 wrote:Personally, I dont know why Olshey is so high on him. He is a spot up shooter at 6"3.

Question asked. Question answered.

wjun15 · Post #11 » by **wjun15** » Thu Aug 12, 2021 5:20 am

DusterBuster wrote:
wjun15 wrote:Personally, I dont know why Olshey is so high on him. He is a spot up shooter at 6"3.

Question asked. Question answered.

HoopsFanAZ · Post #12 » by **HoopsFanAZ** » Sat Aug 14, 2021 9:03 pm

Simons in a CJ trade? Sure. Packaged with DJJ? If it’s for a useful player right now.

I’m higher on Simons than many here. Athleticism? Up there. And smooth. 3 pointer? Unorthodox but good. Defense? Improving from not much to learning. Building an NBA body, time, and work. Billups will help. Work to do on handles and driving where he can be excellent at the hoop and in the paint. When that happens on close outs, his effectiveness will grow significantly. I’d be happy if he stays and CJ is traded.

Either way, Olshey needs to take and make his shot.