Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons’ career taking a familiar track
In 2018, Portland Trail Blazers GM Neal Olshey selected Anfernee Simons 24th overall. After some time to develop, the guard is a key member of the Blazers’ rotation.
Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey drafted Anfernee Simons with the 24th pick of the 2018 draft. Some basketball pundits thought that Portland had the steal of the draft. He was once ranked ninth on ESPN’s list of high school players. Simons played an extra year of high school ball at IMG Academy. A step not usually taken by players with the potential to jump right into college ball.
On the other hand, some critics pointed to the lower level of talent Simons faced at IMG. Because of that, he was labeled as more of an “unknown,” and it led to his drop in the pre-draft rankings. Olshey, who has had success drafting guards, saw something in Simons. The GM gambled on a player at a position where the team was stacked.
A flash of brilliance
Simons’ first season in Rip City saw him deep on the bench. The rookie spent most of his time learning from players ahead of him in the pecking order. It wasn’t until the last game of the season that fans saw his real potential.
In a starting role for the final game of the season, Simons scored 37 points. He connected on 13-of-21 from the floor, including 7-for-11 on three-pointers with 9 assists and 6 rebounds. His standout performance was part of a gutsy, come from behind, 136-131 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Simons joined Lebron James and Kevin Durant as the only teenagers in NBA history to score at least 37 points with 9 assists in a game. More surprising, it came from a player that saw minimal court time throughout his rookie season.