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

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?

 

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.

 

Trade them both for future picks

 

Rebuild.

Clearly.

 

/Thread

 

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.

 

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.

 

People out here putting the cart before the horse.

 

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!

 

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?

 

the Simons hype is definitely out of control

 

Freddy Got Fingered



Oh..
Wrong thread

 

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.

 

First line of the thread

“This isn’t a prediction”

“For the sake of argument”

- Reactions

SIMONS HYPE IS OUT OF CONTROL

...

smh

 

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.