The Ultimate Anfernee Simons Hype/Update Anthology
 

[U][B][CENTER]WORK IN PROGRESS[/CENTER][/B][/U]

Being high on Anfernee Simons is a player is basically what led me to dive down the rabbit hole of collecting sports cards. I love discussing his potential/his latest quotes from the media, and recent highlights and box scores. Rather than being flamed for hyping Anfernee every time I post one such thread, I decided to compile everything I could in one place, and keep it updated. For better or worse, this thread should act as a sort of narrative for his early career.

[B][URL="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/cadence13/pull-up-with-cj-mccollum/e/64997528"]Cj McCollum:[/URL] [/B]He's been efficient, he's been aggressive. He's showed flashes of his athleticism finishing around the basket. Obviously he can shoot the ball with the best of them, he's got a quick release, he can create space. Good mid-range, good floater...So he's going to be very good, it's only a matter of time before the rest of world knows. And most of the world already knows because they've seen the Summer League Highlights, they've seen what he's able to do, and they've seen the 37 points he scored on the Sacaramento Kings last year in our season finale."

[B][URL="https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/portland-trail-blazers/evan-turner-trail-blazers-dame-always-figures-it-out?amp&__twitter_impression=true"]Evan Turner:[/URL][/B] “I thought he was going to hit his stride like this eventually but I didn’t know it’d be this quick. It’s unreal. He will be very, very, very, very, very, very, very good”.

[B]Damian Lillard: [/B] "I think when I'm on my way out, Y'all will be talking to him every game".

[B]Rick Pitino[/B]: “I think when his career is over, they're all gonna say, 'Where was he picked?!"

[CENTER][SIZE="3"][B][U]The NBA Draft[/U][/B][/SIZE][/CENTER]

Anfernee Simons was originally committed to Louisville, after being ranked in the top 7 players in his High School class. However, due to corruption allegations at Louisville, and due to his birthday serendipitously falling just days shy of the cut-off age for NBA draft elligibility the following year, he made the decision to attend IMG Academy, a preparatory school. The fact that Anfernee did not attend college meant that many NBA teams had limited film/exposure to him, and despite reports of him lighting it up in NBA workouts, he fell to #24 with the Blazers, who had an insider connection at IMG Academy. Essentially the blazers secured a raw 2019-2020 lottery talent with a late first round pick in the 2018-2019 draft.

[CENTER][SIZE="3"][B][U]His Rookie Year[/U][/B][/SIZE][/CENTER]

[B][LEFT][U]Summer League[/U][/LEFT][/B]

The Portland Trailblazers won the Summer League tournament just weeks after Simons was drafted, alongside talents such as Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan, Wade Baldwin, Jake Layman, Casper Ware and John Jenkins. Anfernee played 20 MPG for 11 PPG, behind an all-summer league performance by Wade Baldwin.

[B][LEFT][U]G-League[/U][/LEFT][/B]

Shortly after the NBA season commenced, both Anfernee Simons and fellow 2018 draftee Gary Trent Jr from Duke were sent to the NBA G-League to get some run, given the competitive Trailblazers reticence to adopt rookies into the NBA rotation.

In four games for the Agua Caliente Clippers, the 19 year old Simons averaged 17PPG on 22 MPG, and 45% from 3 on 5.5 attempts per game. Both Simons and Trent Jr were shortly after recalled to join the main roster.

[B][LEFT][U]2018-2019 Rookie Year[/U][/LEFT][/B]

Once rejoining the Trail Blazers bench, Simons was typically employed only in garbage-time minutes until late in the 2018 season, when he saw some run off the Blazers bench. He scored his first 3 point attempt of his NBA career on March 9 2019 against the Suns on [URL="https://youtu.be/MkE71qVFyTI?t=462"]an assist from Damian Lillard[/URL].

On 27 March [URL="https://youtu.be/wkZ67-kO3kM?t=459"]Anfernee scored a career high 9 points in 6 minutes[/URL] in the closing minutes of a blowout win against the Chicago Bulls.

This career high would not last long however. On 10 April, the Trailblazers rested their starters in the final regular season game of the year. This meant 48 minutes played for the end of rotation members of the roster. A win in this game would secure the 3 seed for the trailblazers, and the Blazers quickly went down 21 points before half time. [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGTGVMGTSTE"]This Blazers unit ignited, around a 37 point explosion from Anfernee on 7/11 from 3[/URL] to secure the 3 seed for the Blazers, which set up a first round matchup with the thunder ([URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-M3x-eZpV8"]and we all know how that ended[/URL]).

[CENTER][SIZE="3"][B][U]Preseason 2019-2020[/U][/B][/SIZE][/CENTER]

[B][U]Summer League[/U][/B]

Anfernee Simons entered Summer League as the focal point of the Trail Blazers roster, given the absence of Zach Collins and Skal Labissierre. Despite this, he played his way into all summer-league honours, averaging 22 PPG in 26 minutes. His tournament was capped off by a [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BefL-l-Sm-U"]35 point explosion against the Utah Jazz [/URL]in which he hit his first 5 three point attempts in the first quarter.

Neil Olshey called Anfernee Simons "The best player in the gym" during this summer league, and remarked that he is "the most gifted player I’ve ever drafted", and "The best young guard in the NBA".

[B][U]Pre-season[/U][/B]

Anfernee played well in the 2019-2020 pre-season, averaging 11 PPG on 24 minutes and 50% from 3.

[CENTER][SIZE="3"][B][U]Regular Season 2019-2020[/U][/B][/SIZE]
Averaging 50-40-78 as at 11-11-19[/CENTER]

[B][U]Blazers vs Philly 03/11[/U][/B]

[URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo4EhO598as"]Anfernee Simons hits the would-be game-winner, before Furkan Korkmaz drains a 3 with less than 2 seconds on the clock to steal the W.[/URL]

[B][U]Blazers vs Atlanta 11/11[/U][/B]

[URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ESmg5MSZs"]Anfernee explodes for 12 straight in the 3rd, ending the game with 20 points in 24 minutes. [/URL] Anfernee was again trusted with the final shot of regulation with 0.7 seconds left - a near miss.

[IMG]https://media.giphy.com/media/Xb9q0u6s1fogE/giphy.gif[/IMG]

I could see him being the next Marbury

I needed this in my life.


Panini needs an Anfernee Simons Anthology boxed set. With a base set of 1 card commemorating his most memorable would-be game winner vs. the sixers. 300 diamond encrusted numbered variations, with a plutonium plated one of one logoman insert.

He has hops too.

[url]https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1094401668022702080?lang=en[/url]

Dude looks like Sam Cassell with a “normal” Shawn Marion shooting form so I was intrigued.. passed the eye test before the draft so decided to collect his cards.. good scorer but can end up being a excellent player.. needs to really work on his pg play and defense

[QUOTE=Proton;15230393]Dude looks like Sam Cassell with a “normal” Shawn Marion shooting form so I was intrigued.. passed the eye test before the draft so decided to collect his cards.. good scorer but can end up being a excellent player.. needs to really work on his pg play and defense[/QUOTE]

Has been guarding the opposing team's best player the last few games, like Kyrie on the final posession against the Nets etc so Dame and CJ can conserve energy in the 3-guard lineup. Surely that means the Blazers have faith in his man defense, just team defense that he's been getting lost a little bit. With his disgusting 6'9 wingspan there's hope that he can grow into a plus on that side of the floor.

[QUOTE=ninjacookies;15230352]I needed this in my life.


Panini needs an Anfernee Simons Anthology boxed set. With a base set of 1 card commemorating his most memorable would-be game winner vs. the sixers. 300 diamond encrusted numbered variations, with a plutonium plated one of one logoman insert.[/QUOTE]

Followed by a mythology box set where Simons is featured with many of the strongest mythological creatures in all the land and sea.

[QUOTE=ninjacookies;15230352]I needed this in my life.


Panini needs an Anfernee Simons Anthology boxed set. With a base set of 1 card commemorating his most memorable would-be game winner vs. the sixers. 300 diamond encrusted numbered variations, with a plutonium plated one of one logoman insert.[/QUOTE]

Don’t you DARE slander Simons! The hype died down so it just needed a little pump up again.

Don’t worry, Gary V is watching and he’s going to tell us all how Simons will be the GOAT and we need to buy all the Simons PSA10 holos

[QUOTE=6celtics33;15230408]Followed by a mythology box set where Simons is featured with many of the strongest mythological creatures in all the land and sea.[/QUOTE]

Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster aren’t even as hyped as Simons, he’d be the headliner of the set

[QUOTE=yodel;15230398]Has been guarding the opposing team's best player the last few games, like Kyrie on the final posession against the Nets etc so Dame and CJ can conserve energy in the 3-guard lineup. Surely that means the Blazers have faith in his man defense, just team defense that he's been getting lost a little bit. With his disgusting 6'9 wingspan there's hope that he can grow into a plus on that side of the floor.[/QUOTE]

This season I’ve been watching Trail Blazers basketball since preseason and right now his defense is pretty weak, along with his pg play.. (I’m a defense first guy so I watch that end very closely) the thing he got going for him right now is scoring and he can be like lava when he’s locked in on that end. But like you mentioned his 6’9 wingspan will be key for him to maximize his potential on defensive end, another important factor is his pg play.. I believe it will come with time, but if it doesn’t he’ll more likely be a Lou Williams type player and that’s not a bad thing

Does anyone know his box +-, win shares/48, per/36, on base %, and wingspan/game

If it lines up favorable I’m dropping $10,000 TONIGHT

[QUOTE=6celtics33;15230449]Does anyone know his box +-, win shares/48, per/36, on base %, and wingspan/game

If it lines up favorable I’m dropping $10,000 TONIGHT[/QUOTE]

His wingspan / bench minutes ratio is phenomenal

He has some potential but I thought the caption on the first video was pretty funny.
A would-be game-winner? That makes every shot taken before a game-winning bucket a would-be, it just doesn't sound like something that should be emphasized since it wasn't a game winning shot, it was the shot before it.
I hope he does well in the NBA though and finds the right fit with enough minutes.

[QUOTE=n1nesports;15230483]He has some potential but I thought the caption on the first video was pretty funny.
A would-be game-winner? That makes every shot taken before a game-winning bucket a would-be, it just doesn't sound like something that should be emphasized since it wasn't a game winning shot, it was the shot before it.
I hope he does well in the NBA though and finds the right fit with enough minutes.[/QUOTE]

It was a go-ahead bucket with 2 seconds left, you're right. For any other player obviously it wouldn't be a highlight given that they didn't win. I just included it because prior to the season starting the main criticism was that he wouldn't get any opportunity to play behind Dame and CJ. Then some 10 games into the season he's taken two "game winning" shot attempts with Dame and CJ on the floor, and is playing tons of crunch-time minutes in the 3-guard lineup. I'll just update this thread with any...cool plays/moments/dunks he has throughout the season, and once I add a few more it won't seem as comical.

It's a true shame that MJ isn't still playing so we could see Anfernee school him. :coffee:

I've liked some big underdog players so I understand where you're coming from, I just don't think it helps his case, wording can make a huge difference, if it was like "Simons nearly wins the game for Portland" I'd be more intrigued and wouldn't seem like a stretch to make him sound better.

Maybe he could bloom into something special but for sure having those guys on his team will hurt his opportunities.

Do these posters got some kind of problem with OP? Seems like half the response are mocking OP because he wants to discuss his fav nba player? What’s the problem

[QUOTE=jcardstore;15230413]Don’t you DARE slander Simons! The hype died down so it just needed a little pump up again.

Don’t worry, Gary V is watching and he’s going to tell us all how Simons will be the GOAT and we need to buy all the Simons PSA10 holos[/QUOTE]

Gary V can kick rocks. He told me to sell my Simons to stock up on condominiums in Haiti while the market was down. I know hindsight is 20/20, but......



[QUOTE=6celtics33;15230408]Followed by a mythology box set where Simons is featured with many of the strongest mythological creatures in all the land and sea.[/QUOTE]

Watch out for the ultra rare Utterly Unobtainum inserts featuring DNA helix strands extracted from Simons' golden aura (once described as Prince-like by deceased celebrity Charlie Murphy). Panini holds no responsibility over what superpowers are unleashed if the card is compromised.

[QUOTE=Proton;15230540]Do these posters got some kind of problem with OP? Seems like half the response are mocking OP because he wants to discuss his fav nba player? What’s the problem[/QUOTE]

I half expected it, it's all good. I like the guy, and I like discussing his potential/the latest news+buzz on him, and people perceive it as me trying to push him on everyone, which I honestly get. This kind of discussion isn't common on this forum, but I feel like individual player threads like this could be cool for collectors of specific players to discuss their ups and downs/brush up on players they might not get the chance to watch every day.

Something about the fact that Anfernee was flavour of the month after summer league, and the fact his prices were high relative to his experience at the NBA level brings out the skeptic in these guys, which is probably a wise attitude to have. At this point though the kid is 20 years old, and is arguably the 4th best performing rookie from his class this season, behind Luka, Trae and Shai - so it's hardly laughable to enjoy following his development, or to be high on him as a prospect.

Anyone who has genuinely watched his games so far this season would be at least curious about him, he has been electric. Part of the reason I made this thread though was so that people like the above posters could simply avoid the thread if they aren't interested in Anfernee, but they value their own hilarious comments/opinions too much to avoid making comment.

[QUOTE=yodel;15230559]I half expected it, it's all good. I like the guy, and I like discussing his potential/the latest news+buzz on him, and people perceive it as me trying to push him on everyone, which I honestly get. I feel like this kind of discussion isn't common on this forum, but I feel like individual player threads like this could be cool for collectors of specific players to discuss their ups and downs/brush up on players they might not get the chance to watch every day.

Something about the fact that Anfernee was flavour of the month after summer league, and the fact his prices were high relative to his experience at the NBA level brings out the skeptic in these guys, which is probably a wise attitude to have. At this point though the kid is 20 years old, and is arguably the 4th best performing rookie from his class this season, behind Luka, Trae and Shai - so it's hardly laughable to enjoy following his development, or to be high on him as a prospect.

Anyone who has genuinely watched his games so far this season would be at least curious about him, he has been electric. Part of the reason I made this thread though was so that people like the above posters could simply avoid the thread if they aren't interested in Anfernee, but they value their own hilarious comments/opinions too much to avoid making comment.[/QUOTE]I'm just playing a bit man. I actually have several of his low numbered NTs so I am definitely pulling for him! :)!

[QUOTE=yodel;15230559]
At this point though the kid is 20 years old, and is arguably the 4th best performing rookie from his class this season, behind Luka, Trae and Shai - so it's hardly laughable to enjoy following his development, or to be high on him as a prospect.
[/QUOTE]

Collin Sexton, Devonte Graham, Wendell Carter Jr. and Mitchell Robinson would like to have a word with you.


We're jut poking fun because this has to be at least the 3rd thread on Simons now. He's a distant 3rd best player on a Blazers squad and putting up 12ppg on 20 minutes a night.

He can score, yes. He offers very little otherwise. But he is 20. And he's also playing behind CJ and Dame. I don't think Portland is the best place for him if you're seeing superstar potential. He's essentially a Mo Harkless/Evan Turner replacement.

[QUOTE=yodel;15230559]I half expected it, it's all good. I like the guy, and I like discussing his potential/the latest news+buzz on him, and people perceive it as me trying to push him on everyone, which I honestly get. This kind of discussion isn't common on this forum, but I feel like individual player threads like this could be cool for collectors of specific players to discuss their ups and downs/brush up on players they might not get the chance to watch every day.

Something about the fact that Anfernee was flavour of the month after summer league, and the fact his prices were high relative to his experience at the NBA level brings out the skeptic in these guys, which is probably a wise attitude to have. At this point though the kid is 20 years old, and is arguably the 4th best performing rookie from his class this season, behind Luka, Trae and Shai - so it's hardly laughable to enjoy following his development, or to be high on him as a prospect.

Anyone who has genuinely watched his games so far this season would be at least curious about him, he has been electric. Part of the reason I made this thread though was so that people like the above posters could simply avoid the thread if they aren't interested in Anfernee, but they value their own hilarious comments/opinions too much to avoid making comment.[/QUOTE]
If that’s the case basically most of the threads created here it seems like someone is trying to push something on everyone.. look at the threads with a lot of pages, basically same people bumping the thread to keep it alive for whatever agenda they have.. but when someone wants to discuss a fav player it’s mocking season? It’s just weird

[QUOTE=Proton;15230540]Do these posters got some kind of problem with OP? Seems like half the response are mocking OP because he wants to discuss his fav nba player? What’s the problem[/QUOTE]

I'm mostly just a terrible person

I don't even know the op

[QUOTE=ninjacookies;15230593]Collin Sexton, Devonte Graham, Wendell Carter Jr. and Mitchell Robinson would like to have a word with you.


We're jut poking fun because this has to be at least the 3rd thread on Simons now. He's a distant 3rd best player on a Blazers squad and putting up 12ppg on 20 minutes a night.

He can score, yes. He offers very little otherwise. But he is 20. And he's also playing behind CJ and Dame. I don't think Portland is the best place for him if you're seeing superstar potential. He's essentially a Mo Harkless/Evan Turner replacement.[/QUOTE]

I straight up disagree on those players, but that's ok - you're entitled to your opinion. The only one I'd say that's close are Graham and Carter Jr, but I haven't caught many of their games so far. Ant played 36 minutes against the Nets, the Blazers genuinely do seem to be doing their best to put him on the floor, even given their two undersized guards, and having undersized options at the 3 + 4. I definitely acknowledge everything about his unfortunate placement on the Blazers, but aren't we meant to evaluate talent taking that into account? Look at James Harden, or CJ McCollum his first few years...

Like literally what more could this player possibly be showing in the opportunities he has had since his career started to indicate that he's got a bright future?