A star is rising in Portland

10 comments

1. The protege

2. It’s a beautiful graphic, but for me I think Simons is actually slumping right now and I think this hype is better suited for later in the year. Simons hasn’t shot the ball very well this season yet FG% – 41.8%, 3P% – 35.6%. Those are significantly below his career averages. His PER is meh at 15.5, and his other advanced numbers are not all that interesting (still a net negative on defense).

   Honestly, I think we see a REAL burst from him at some point over a stretch of multiple games when the offense is less aimless and he knows how to attack and beat the doubles he’s been occasionally getting. And the hope is that this breakout coincides with the regression we expect from Grant and Nas, and we can keep winning through it.

3. Dame’s age 23 season:
   20.7 PPG, 3.5 RB 5.6 Ast

   Although Dame’s advanced stats were a lot better. But, if Ant can start shooting to his normal fg% and keep improving on D, you could see them contributing at the same level.

   The real question is will Ant develop something unstoppable in his game. Dame’s long 3’s and quick first step breaks defenses. Ant doesn’t have that range and isn’t quite as quick but he has a faster release on his shot and more bounce. If he can maximize those to find that combination of moves that let’s him score even when the defense is good and keyed in on him, he will be a superstar. If not I can see him turning into a very solid, borderline all-star starter.

4. Feels like he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet either. Like, he’s been good, but his handle and decision-/play-making are all areas he can easily continue to improve on with practice and experience. That contract is looking pretty damn good right now.

5. I distinctly remember people saying Dame/Ant back court wouldn’t work. It was like Dame/CJ. Welp this backcourt is different and Ant actually gives effort on defense this isn’t the same backcourt as before. Ant is going to be an all star

6. A boner is rising in my pants.

7. Would love to see his efficiency improve. Still not sold on the Dame/Ant backcourt. I think the team looks better when only one of them is on court at a time. Like yesterdays game. The hierarchy of the team and shot distribution makes more sense with only one score first guard. More opportunities for guys like Grant and Hart without having two ball dominant, shoot first guards starting.

8. For me, I like to see him getting to the rim finally, getting to the line a bit more. That’s been a noticeable limitation since he was drafted. His shooting has been off this year. With him putting more pressure on the rim, he ought to be able to get more open out there. That’s the next evolution for him, and he’s taking good strides.

   I want to see Ant getting to the line 6/7 times a game instead of ~4. He’s already near doubled last year’s FTA per game … Good reason to believe he’s well capable.

9. I’m pretty sure I’m going to make over 15k this season gambling on the blazers including bets to make the playoffs, 44+ wins, and Ant to average 21+ a game (. So happy they sleep on Portland every year. And how quickly the line is moving lol. Blazers used to be +8000 to win it all now its like +2500

10. None of this is working out like it is this year without Ant being a threat to win the game every night. He’s been starting slow but then BANG THIRD QUARTER THREES START SPLASHING WATCH OUT WHOEVER YOU ARE COMPETITION!!!!!