The Portland Path Blazers discover themselves at a pivotal level of their rebuilding course of, with key choices looming relating to the way forward for 25-year-old guard Anfernee Simons. Though neither Simons nor the Blazers are actively pursuing a commerce at the moment, the group has reportedly been open to listening to provides for the gifted scorer.
NBA insider Brett Siegel of Clutch Factors reported the information.
With the NBA commerce deadline quick approaching, the Blazers might be a staff that makes a transfer within the close to future.
With the emergence of rookie Scoot Henderson because the staff’s main ball handler, it seems the Blazers are evaluating methods to finest place themselves for long-term success — and that might imply rethinking Simons’ position.
Presently, Simons is having a major affect on the staff’s offense. His means to attain, particularly from past the arc, has made him one among Portland’s handiest offensive weapons. He’s presently averaging 18.2 factors, 5.0 assists and a couple of.6 rebounds per sport.
Though Anfernee has emerged as one of many league’s promising younger guards, the Blazers’ future now facilities on Henderson, their prized rookie and a participant they view as a possible face of the franchise. As Portland begins to prioritize Henderson’s growth, there are fewer minutes and alternatives for Simons.
With Henderson more likely to assume the beginning position at level guard, buying and selling Simons might present quite a few potential advantages. First, transferring Simons would unencumber extra alternatives for Henderson to develop into his main position with out the stress of sharing minutes within the backcourt.
Moreover, a commerce might usher in precious property, whether or not within the type of draft picks, veteran gamers or future property, that will assist velocity up the rebuilding course of. Portland’s entrance workplace has lengthy been centered on constructing a championship-contending staff, and parting methods with Simons might be seen as a strategic transfer so as to add depth or stability to the roster.
Whereas Simons stays a gifted and extremely valued asset, his future with the Blazers might in the end depend upon how the staff views the way forward for his roster. Whether or not the staff chooses to commerce him for future property or alter his position alongside Henderson, the choice might have a major affect on the Blazers’ trajectory over the following few seasons.
This season, Scoot Henderson is averaging 11.9 factors, 5.0 assists and a couple of.9 assists. He is capturing 41.8 % from the sector and 33.9 % from lengthy vary.
Extra Path Blazers:
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For extra info on the Path Blazers, go to Portland Path Blazers on SI
