Banton's D sucks ass too but you know that. Scoot and Sharpe are not better today then Simons either. Benching them is about their development as they're still young and learning the NBA game. At this point, Simons and Banton are what they are I don't think this is an honest conversation STOMP
I'm just talking about right now. Right now, I believe that Scoot is a better NBA player than Simons is. Right now, Scoot is more impactful game in and game out than Simons. Right now, Scoot has earned a starting spot.
Some players are simply not capable of playing great defense. Both Scoot and Sharpe have way more inherent ability to play D versus Ant.
Ant is perfectly capable of playing good defense. Dude is athletic as hell. There is no excuse for him to be among the worst defenders in the league.
The real mtg was with Jody & BK - Joe, you and Chauncey have this year to prove you can win some games and get things rolling, otherwise next year we move in a different direction. Dont forget this is the 4th year of a 5 year plan.
Better at some things sure, creating his own shot at the end of the clock definitely not. Thats a pretty important skill for at least one player on a squad to have especially come the end of the game. The only other player on this Blazers squad who is close to as good as Ant at it is Sharpe, but he's been regressing in shot making and really needs to work on his handle. Whats really helped Ant's game is Deni emerging as a playmaker. At this point I want Deni &/or Scoot on the court at all times as they're the two best pass first guys on the team. I look forward to Scoot surpassing Ant & that day sure seems to be coming. As many here have long noted, Simons best role is probably as an instant offense 6th man where the team can ride him when he's hot. STOMP
