Plenty of reasons for excitement in Portland

3. Anfernee Simons

When the Portland Trail Blazers took Anfernee Simons at the end of the first round in the 2018 draft, many people were skeptical about the pick because of how young he was and that the team didn’t need another small, scoring guard.

Well after a fantastic rookie season where he impressed not only fans when he got a chance to play in games, but also his teammates and coaches during practice, people are hyped about Simons going into this second year.

Simons developed his game and learned how to be an NBA player last year. He had some excellent teachers in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to look up to. He showed all that he can do in the final game of the 2018-19 season. The Blazers were resting their starters and key role players before the playoffs and let their young guys play a ton of minutes.

Simons played the entire game and put up 37 points, nine assists and six rebounds while leading the Blazers to a win.

Portland let their backup point guard from last year, Seth Curry, leave in free agency and didn’t bring anyone in to replace him, which leaves Simons to fill that role. He will go from the end of the bench to playing 15-20 minutes a night.

Simons can handle the ball, score at all three levels on the court is athletic, long and loves to play defense. He will bring a great scoring/playmaking punch off of the bench.

Just like Collins, the Blazers wouldn’t be relying on him if they didn’t think he was ready to play. Blazers GM Neil Olshey had this to say about the young guard.

"“It’s kind of all coming together for him. He’s as talented as anyone we’ve ever drafted since I’ve been here, in terms of just natural gifts. He’s not the player Dame and CJ was, but in terms of just natural, God-given, basketball ability, Anfernee is as gifted as anybody I’ve ever drafted. So we’re expecting big things from him.”"