I can see how Zach Randolph was holding LMA back. They played the same position Dame and LMA were completely different players at completely different positions. They could have complemented each other very well and actually did that for a couple of seasons. LMA had some personal issues that were a problem, but a player like Dame and a player like LMA could have shared the floor and the offense extremely well that said, just who in this analogy is holding Simons back? If it's Dame, then it seems you're arguing that Dame should be traded to make way for Simons. I can't agree with that at all. Dame is 31 not 37
I let me subscription to the Athletic lapse this year. Can anyone summarize this article? https://theathletic.com/3088800/202...memphis-jalen-duren-hollingers-week-that-was/
it has to be both, IMO, if Portland is keeping Simons and he's 'getting paid' big bucks Blazers need to shitcan the Powell at SF experiment in any event
One of the reasons I'm against trading just Powell on his own is it doesn't solve the problem with $$$ tied up in our backcourt. Powell with the cheapest contract of the 4 and the ability to play SF the best could exist with two of Dame, CJ, or Simons. But that Dame/CJ/Simons trio on its own is still too crowded and with Simons likely paid $20 million plus, its also too expensive.
With Powell as the full time starting SF I agree. Now one of Powell or Simons off the bench with Powell playing some of his minutes as the third guard is fine. One of Dame/CJ/Simons needs to go.
LMA was holding Dame back because the offense was built around LMA. We didn't see Dame fully bloom until LMA left. Also I think Dame even said that he felt like he was walking on egg shells trying not to take away from LMA and letting people know that it was LMA's team. It was the best thing to get rid of that cancer.
LMA didn’t hold Dame back. The best record we’ve had in the last 10 years was when the two of them played together. They both made the All Star team.
He wasn’t a cancer those 2013-14, 14-15 teams were the best we’ve had. You need multiple stars to win and there is always sacrifice which is a good thing.
He is super young. Too early to definitively make that call. We already know CJ can't play defense. So lets move him.
I disagree with both you and the dude that tweeted what you're responding to. I think Ant can easily be a first guard, a championship team's main offensive weapon on the perimeter and facilitator. I do agree that he will never be an elite defender but despite the gaslighting to the contrary Steph Curry isn't an elite or even a good defender but he sure did contribute a lot to some titles and might do it again. So I think Ant has great value and I think GMs around the league without an elite lead offensive guard are probably salivating over him. So not only are you right that we should move CJ but we should also move Ant and while we're at it we should probably move Norm too because he really isn't the perfect fit next to Dame either. All of these guys have value and Ant probably has the most.
How tall is Simons currently? Measured 6’1.5" barefoot, 6’3.5" in shoes, 181 lbs, 6’7" wingspan, and 8’2" standing reach in 2017. Currently listed at 6'4. I'm wondering if that's accurate.
He had said (2 years ago maybe?) that he was still growing. I've heard people say he is a legit 6'4" now. It's like Nas. He is listed at 6'5", but there are some that swear he is at least 6'6" if not a little taller.
Since Jan 1, he's been averaging: 22.9 pts, 6.1 asts, 2.9 rebs, and 2.8 turnovers in 36 mpg. This is on ~45% FG and 40% from 3. Just taking the raw stats alone (and disregarding efficiency), 10 players average this for the season this year: That is some lofty company. If given the ball enough, does anyone NOT think that Ant can sustain his current level of play for the entire year?
Here's another fun one: https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_season.html Ant has 150 3 pointers this year. He should easily get to 201, which would put him as one of the top 100 3-pointer made seasons of all time. I'm eager to see how high he can get!
