I like Simons a lot. If Sharpe were as badass as he is but a power forward or even a wing that's four inches taller, we'd be set. I voted 20ppg or less because I find it hard to believe he's going to get all the shots he wants with Grant and Ayden around, but I don't think that's a bad thing and is not (in my predictive brain) his fault.
I voted 20 or under. If he is scoring more than that then the offense is flawed and needs a shakeup….trade.
Ant is going to be teeing off. He's the only quick release 3 point shooter without Lillard. I reckon his scoring will be up there, 26ppg
I think he going to score over 20 points game due he will in there in situation when he will be the main scorer. But with the starters I see a lot catch and shoot 3 pointers with him.
I think it depends on if he's the PG or they use him off the ball. I'd rather him score 20 and give up only like 12.
It would make sense to have him split his time (or thereabouts) between the two guard spots... have him play with Scoot and then with Sharpe and when he's out those two play together. I think I'd rather have him getting minutes at the 1 than Sharpe getting minutes at the 3 unless we go small and all three are playing together.
I don't think any team can truly contend in this league with two players starting who are under 6'4" unless both are relentless dogs on defense... Ant ain't that.
actually, Blazers under 6'3 w/o shoes Cleveland is trying with 6'1 Mitchell and 6'1 Garland but I think they will fail, even though both players are very very good it isn't just the back court for Portland, it's that they've been going with undersized SF's and undersized PF's at the same time. I really hate that Blazer management can't seem to learn the lesson and seem determined to run it back with Ant
I think Ant is going to return to his average shooting from 3. With a slight uptick in shots every night and maybe some growth in getting to the line, he averages 25ish-ppg. Ayton is going to get more touches and shots as well. Grant will probably stay the same. No projection for Scoot or Sharpe’s fga for me. But the truth remains that Ant isn’t the long term solution at SG. I haven’t found a wing in the draft that I’m in love with enough to tank for this year, so I’m fine losing out on our 1st. I will definitely be rooting for the playoffs. If Scoot leads us to a season similar to ‘15-‘16, Ant will command the two 1sts we want, or find a long term fit at the wing position.
Look when he gets it going it’s lights out for opponents, no question. I fully expect him to be a Blazer for a couple more years. Will have to see what CB can do to hide his lack of D.
People keep calling Ant a CJ clone. I think people are calling him that like it’s a bad thing, solely because of the CJ experience here. But having CJ’s skillset is very valuable on a team. I’m going to give an example of something I still to this day think of as a CJ clone, Jamal Murray. Comparing their age 23 years: Murray - 21.2/4.8/4.0 - .477/.401/.869 Ant - 21.1/4.1/2.6 - .447/.377/.894 Keep in mind, this was Murray’s best year shooting from 3 whereas Ant took a dip after being 40+% the previous two years. Jamal also got consistent burn since his rookie year as a lotto pick compared to Ant who didn’t start to get minutes until two years ago. A ‘CJ’ clone is still a good player in the right system. Iso heavy—Ant looks like a CJ clone. Playing with a primary ball handler that will move the ball—he’ll look more like a Murray clone. Defense is going to get better. Jamal has had time on the court to get better on that end and he’s become passable, but that’s due to system. If Chauncey isn’t the one to implement a good defensive scheme, find the one who will when his contract is up. There’s so much offensive talent on this team that any HC or assistant can make work imo.
i don’t understand the Ant hate. I predict Ant makes the AllStar game this year! His shooting percentage will be up and he’ll be averaging +24 points per game. He’s got killer instincts.
its cringe people like you want to now trade Simmons, a young star that still has room to grow his overall game. Guess we know who the new scapegoat and complaining will be about going forward.
I voted under 20, but thats assuming Scoot and Shaedon are ready to command 30+ minutes. I could easily see Ant leading the team in shots/scoring, minutes & usage especially if the youngins aren't fully ready. People mock his D, but here's guessing it will be better then Scoot or Shaedon this year. While I hope those two to flash all sorts of potential this upcoming season, I expect them to struggle some too. They've some important lessons to learn. STOMP
I'm thinking 22-23 but not very efficient. There'll be nights where he's torch teams and the Blazers will win a couple of games they aren't supposed to because of it.
I’m much more concerned with our starters building good habits together, putting in some actual defensive pillars, and efficiency. I like ant but given his rep with other GMs, clearly, I think it’s more important that he rounds out his game with scoring at the line, less 3pt variance, and better court vision. I think the league would see through an empty calorie 26ppg season.
