Lotto talent that's a few years away. I like this pick. However, I was disappointed that Neil didn't swing big and try to trade up for Doncic.
“He had another very high-level player on his team that actually shared the backcourt with him, Eric Ayala, who’s going to Maryland next year,” Nash told The Post. “Sometimes when you’re a kid that’s that good, you want the ball in your hands the whole time, but he was unselfish enough to defer to Eric when Eric was playing well, and when he needed to take over he took over.” Simons wasn’t playing against European pros or Division I players last year, but Ayala’s presence alongside him indicates the level of opponent he often faced. And the rigorous travel schedule, along with twice-a-day practices, means Simons might be no less prepared for pro life than his college counterparts. https://nypost.com/2018/06/21/why-anfernee-simons-is-the-biggest-mystery-of-this-nba-draft/
I'm trying to go back and re-evaluate Simons as a prospect based on the little information available. I found a decent writeup at thesteipen.com https://www.thestepien.com/2018/03/16/anfernee-simons-wrong-initiator/ Here's the money quote:
It's not that I disagree with the article or anyone on these boards, however, I would like to get a look at the rookies during summer league myself rather than take someone else's opinion on the matter, especially given so little data on Simons. Currently, my opinion is this: The rookies can do stuff Pat Connaughton can't do. Pat can do stuff the rookies can't do. Much of the stuff the rookies can do that Pat can't do CAN'T be taught (which is why Pat hasn't learned them). Much of the stuff Pat can do that the rookies can't do CAN be taught (and they will learn them). There are few players that can't learn the fundamentals of the game (unfortunately, Biebs is one). Secondly, the author does not take into consideration the Combine, or the pre-draft team workouts, which are both critical tools in analyzing someone based on not only small data sets, but low fidelity data sets. The word on the street is that not only did he impress the Blazers, he impressed other teams as well (not just the Lakers).
That was merely a pipe dream that was fabricated in this forum. It took a #5 pick and a future unprotected first round pick. We had nothing close to that.
So according to the ringers Kevin O’Connor, Portland gave Simons a promise, and that a couple of teams above them were seriously considering him (Minnesota and the Spurs.) There was also another report that Minnesota had conversations with a couple of teams about moving down from 20, and Portland was one of the teams they talked to. So it seems like Portland really wanted Simons. Here’s the link: https://www.pscp.tv/ringer/1yNGaXjybqXKj Skip to about 2hr 47
Its funny that if the Spurs had drafted Simons, the same fans that are apoplectic over this pick would've been convinced the Spurs drafted the next great PG.
Yeah I remember. I think what happened was they promised they’d take Simons as long as they didn’t trade out of the draft. But man imagine this board if they traded UP to get Simons???
lol, so true. It's really funny as the ones bitching about Simmons are typically the same ones who pretty much bitch about any Blazer decision.
To the Simons haters, let me say this: I am totally willing to join you if he appears to suck. But right now, I'm seeing that he can do things some NBA players can't.... and he has a lot of improvement left in him.
The most amazing development has been you know who actually supporting the Blazers draft selections. I’m trying to find the real reason why. I think its because either one could eventually make CJ expendable