Has Sharpe’s play made Simons realize the writing is on the wall? I read so many times on here about how Simons would freeze Sharpe out of the offense. Makes me kind of wonder now if he really did and there was a reason for it. I know it’s a lot of conjecture. But now I’m starting to see why if true. Players, especially teammates realize potential greatness before anyone else.
I don’t think any of this is true. I’ve never actually seen reports that Ant was freezing Sharpe out. The only real time I felt this way was in the beginning of the year. Keep in mind Sharpe was often lost on defense, even more turnover prone, and not always in the right way on offense. I don’t see Simons trusting himself over a rookie as terrible as some might. That doesn’t mean Ant might not feel the writing is on the wall. Defensively, he probably knows Sharpe is superior due of his gifts and jumping ability. Offensively, he probably knows Sharpe is more effective off the ball because he is ball dominate. I just don’t think Ant would resort to freezing him out on offense.
I don't see this as an issue at all. Sharpe can also play SF, and Simon's PG, of course each need some rest, and over a seasons there will be injuries too.
I agree with this. The only time I ever saw such a claim was from one or two random posters here. The idea of Ant freezing Sharpe never made any sense to me. I don't see any reason Sharpe and Ant can't be on the same roster.
honestly remember those early games and it did kinda look like he was maybe freezing him out but I think anf in a non malicious way not 100% trusting sharpe quite yet. Because there was definitely a lot of times where sharpe was lost on both sides of the floor where now I think he’s gotten his legs underneath him a bit more and understands the concepts they are running more. If I remember he didn’t play competitive basketball for a bit too so maybe it took him awhile to get his game sense up.
Sadly, I think 'I've watched all but two games this season. I did not see anything that looked remotely close to Ant intentionally freezing out Sharpe, or anyone else. I saw Ant make mistakes, bad reads, etc. but nothing that seemed out of the ordinary.
There were times where it might of felt like it, but I’m with you in that I don’t think it was actually that. Not sure if my previous post really conveys that, but that’s what I meant to convey. I’m also terrible at writing any sort of coherent sentences and or thought most times so there’s that too
No matter how much you say it, it doesn't make it true. Simon's is anything but a PG or if so, he is a piss-poor PG. Offense goes in the crapper when he is playing PG.
Anfernee always used to get most/all of the backup PG minutes, but that's changed for good thanks to THE MIGHTY SKYLAR MAYS. What would REALLY seal Anfernee's fate would be if we drafted Scoot.
Sharpe can most definitely play SF without feeling undersized. But is there precedence to having a PG/SG/SF/PF all being on ball scorers? Sharpes usage will suffer and stagnate his growth. As will Ant's if he deferrs to the others. It's not the best synergy or maximizing of talents. Think moving Ant and sticking a low usage to guard wings next to Dame and Sharpe is key. Thybulle might be the option. Or someone with more two way potential like OG or Bridges. Also feel like we can move Grant for a better rebounder and consistent shooter in January while retaining his salary slot if we end up keeping Ant.
I thought this thread would be about how well Sharpe is ending this season, and how well Ant ended last season -- both of which being games that largely didn't matter -- and whether the latter's indication of the next year's play would have any bearing on the former.
there definitely have been times that Ant apparently couldn't see an open Sharpe, even when Sharpe was quite visible. I doubt that was Ant being petty and freezing out Sharpe. I'd say it was due to Ant not having good court vision...and he sure hasn't consistently shown he has after 5 seasons. Not a PG; not even a good tweener I'm pretty tired of the Blazers, and some of the fans, trying to justify reasons why Portland should continue and trot out undersized lineups. here are the average heights by position in the NBA: http://www.draftexpress.com/average-measurements-by-position/all/NBA Draft Combine/all/14/ that is from draft express and it is compiled from NBA pre-draft measurments Simons was measured at 6′ 2.25” Sharpe was measured at 6′ 4.25” so if Simons was at SG and Sharpe was at SF, the Blazers would be starting a SG 1.75 inches shorter that average; and a SF 2.25 inches shorter than average. Please stop the bullshit about it being ok. I was more than willing before this season started to give the Dame/Ant pairing a chance. Ant isn't CJ. But there are mounting reasons why the most obvious move is to trade Ant for better fit and more height. Moving Sharpe to full-time SG and getting a 6'7-6'8 SF (Grant?) goes a long ways to solving Portland's long-standing (ha!) length deficit (and no, I'm not saying Sharpe is 100% ready). Blazers have a lot of issues to solve, but one of the easiest solves might be to balance the roster by length, by position. The unbalanced rosters haven't worked, at all
