If Anfernee Simons plays better than Damian Lillard, then what?

[blazerfan11]

OK, this isn't a prediction.

Anyway, for the sake of argument, let's say Anfernee Simons gets enough playing time to show what he can do, and sooner or later during the upcoming season, or more likely the following season, overall he becomes a better player than Damian Lillard, if only by a small margin. But even that obviously would be a huge development.

Maybe his effectiveness as a scorer is nearly identical, which would be notable since Lillard shot a career-high 52 % effective field goal percentage last season. Though 52% is above average, it's not mind-boggling, so let's say Simons scores at that level and does a better job of passing to moving teammates (hopefully there are some) or something similar making him clearly (if only by a little) better as the primary ball handler. Maybe he gets the ball up the court much faster, which I think we'd all like to see. In any case, to most eyes he becomes a slightly better (at least) point guard.

My question is this: How much better would Anfernee Simons have to be over Damian Lillard for Anferee Simons to be a starter, or the starter? Would being clearly a little better be enough?

Or is it just not going to happen?

Then, there's this: Lillard will be signing a Super Max contract that will keep him with the Blazers for the next 6 years.
How much does this matter when the coach gives roles and playing time to another guy who can play PG slightly better than the guy getting the huge contract?

 

[Cugel]

luxury problem, dont sweat it

 

[RR7]

You trade CJ and start them together?

 

[hoopsjock]

OK, this isn't a prediction.

Anyway, for the sake of argument, let's say Anfernee Simons gets enough playing time to show what he can do, and sooner or later during the upcoming season, or more likely the following season, overall he becomes a better player than Damian Lillard, if only by a small margin. But even that obviously would be a huge development.

Maybe his effectiveness as a scorer is nearly identical, which would be notable since Lillard shot a career-high 52 % effective field goal percentage last season. Though 52% is above average, it's not mind-boggling, so let's say Simons scores at that level and does a better job of passing to moving teammates (hopefully there are some) or something similar making him clearly (if only by a little) better as the primary ball handler. Maybe he gets the ball up the court much faster, which I think we'd all like to see. In any case, to most eyes he becomes a slightly better (at least) point guard.

My question is this: How much better would Anfernee Simons have to be over Damian Lillard for Anferee Simons to be a starter, or the starter? Would being clearly a little better be enough?

Or is it just not going to happen?

Then, there's this: Lillard will be signing a Super Max contract that will keep him with the Blazers for the next 6 years.
How much does this matter when the coach gives roles and playing time to another guy who can play PG slightly better than the guy getting the huge contract?

This is silly.

You trade CJ and start Dame and Anfernee together if that happens.

 

[JoshuaHall]

Trade them both for future picks

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Rebuild.

Clearly.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

luxury problem, dont sweat it

You trade CJ and start them together?

This is silly.

You trade CJ and start Dame and Anfernee together if that happens.

/Thread

 

[Chris Craig]

This is a problem I would be glad for the Blazers to have

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

So we have one superstar, and another superstar apparently if Simons is producing the same thing... I think what you got is finally a team that can compete for championships. Im not sure I understand the problem.

There is literally no downside to having too much talent on your team; even if Simons and Dame cant coexist, you have superstar who can get your team A LOT of assets.

 

[Titan]

Yep, trade CJ or even better CJ decides he wants to be 6th man. It’s always a good luxury to have up and coming stars to replace your aging stars.

 

[BonesJones]

People out here putting the cart before the horse.

 

[B-Roy]

If Simons becomes better than a top 10 player in his second season you count your blessings, thank your lucky stars, and trade everything you possibly can on your team to surround your two top 10 players with the perfect ancillary pieces.

Of course, the likelihood of that happening is about as likely as LeBron demanding a trade to the Blazers midseason.

 

[gatorpops]

If Simons becomes better than a top 10 player in his second season you count your blessings, thank your lucky stars, and trade everything you possibly can on your team to surround your two top 10 players with the perfect ancillary pieces.

Of course, the likelihood of that happening is about as likely as LeBron demanding a trade to the Blazers midseason.

Championship Baby!

 

[Hoopguru]

OK, this isn't a prediction.

Anyway, for the sake of argument, let's say Anfernee Simons gets enough playing time to show what he can do, and sooner or later during the upcoming season, or more likely the following season, overall he becomes a better player than Damian Lillard, if only by a small margin. But even that obviously would be a huge development.

Maybe his effectiveness as a scorer is nearly identical, which would be notable since Lillard shot a career-high 52 % effective field goal percentage last season. Though 52% is above average, it's not mind-boggling, so let's say Simons scores at that level and does a better job of passing to moving teammates (hopefully there are some) or something similar making him clearly (if only by a little) better as the primary ball handler. Maybe he gets the ball up the court much faster, which I think we'd all like to see. In any case, to most eyes he becomes a slightly better (at least) point guard.

My question is this: How much better would Anfernee Simons have to be over Damian Lillard for Anferee Simons to be a starter, or the starter? Would being clearly a little better be enough?

Or is it just not going to happen?

Then, there's this: Lillard will be signing a Super Max contract that will keep him with the Blazers for the next 6 years.
How much does this matter when the coach gives roles and playing time to another guy who can play PG slightly better than the guy getting the huge contract?

I think he will end up the 2 guard and dame signs the Super Max. The question I have when does he take over for CJ and if he does will we trade CJ sooner or later for a legit front court player?

 

[wizenheimer]

the Simons hype is definitely out of control

 

[theprunetang]

Freddy Got Fingered



Oh..
Wrong thread

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

the Simons hype is definitely out of control

Its crazy... I mean I have reasons for optimism, but some people are acting like he’s the next Micheal Jordan...

 

[theprunetang]

Its crazy... I mean I have reasons for optimism, but some people are acting like he’s the next Micheal Jordan...

Haven't you heard? He's about to grow 6 inches and become Kevin Durant.

 

[JoshuaHall]

First line of the thread

“This isn’t a prediction”

“For the sake of argument”

- Reactions

SIMONS HYPE IS OUT OF CONTROL

...

smh

 

[Hoopguru]

Its crazy... I mean I have reasons for optimism, but some people are acting like he’s the next Micheal Jordan...

Thats the NBA marketing machine at work, always looking for a new wrinkle to excite fans with for the now or near future.
The kid needs to prove himself and Im sure wants to and probably will, but we all will have to wait and see. Tune into summer league which is part of the Marketing Machine to see the steps he takes before he's playing for real.

 

[Labinot41]

What if Anfernee becomes "just a Role player"? I think it's better to wait and see how he plays, like Wizenheimer said this hype is too much right now, and it isn't fair to Anfernee, because pressure

 

[BBert]

Hahahahaha

Hahahahaha

Hahahahaha

 

[BBert]

What if?

Answer: Do nothing

Except win

No reason whatsoever to trade CJ in that ridiculous scenario either.

Unless it's for an all star SF

 

[Hoopguru]

What if?

Answer: Do nothing

Except win

No reason whatsoever to trade CJ in that ridiculous scenario either.

Unless it's for an all star SF

I agree with that and it could happen?

 

[BBert]

I agree with that and it could happen?

This year Simon's would do well if he's an adequate Curry replacement, and he is more or less consistent in his play over the course of the year, without too many down stretches.

An NBA season isn't just physically grueling, it's mentally grueling, especially for a 20 year old who has barely played at anything close to this level.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

First line of the thread

“This isn’t a prediction”

“For the sake of argument”

- Reactions

SIMONS HYPE IS OUT OF CONTROL

...

smh

That was one reaction out of several... most answered it in the spirit of "for the sake of argument". Even hypothetically it's just a ridiculous question.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Greatest thread ever.

FINALLY someone is seeing what I saw in that 1 game.

 

[Strenuus]

You trade CJ and start them together?

/thread

It isnt even a discussion.

You never trade dame ever. There is no argument. Dont even try.

 

[James lamphear]

To me it wait and see does he dominant in summer league both sides of the floor that his next step before next year. I looking at Trent doing the same thing.

 

[kjironman1]

The kid has played in a total of 20 games and has a grand total of 141 minutes in his entire career.
By this time in Lillard's career he had 82 games and over 3000 minutes played. He had competed in five All-Star weekend events and won the skills challenge. He was voted Rookie of the Year.

Now tell me again why this question has been asked?