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Should the Portland Trail Blazers build around Anfernee Simons?

By Holden Walter-Warner

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 25: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center on January 25, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 25: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center on January 25, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 25: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after he was called for goaltending during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center on January 25, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 25: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after he was called for goaltending during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center on January 25, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

The case against the Trail Blazers building around Simons

While Simons has been on a tear in recent weeks, there’s no indication this will be his permanent level of play. It could ultimately prove to be a flash in the pan.

His 24.1 points per game in January is outstanding, but his previous high for a month this season was 13.7 points per game in October. It should come as no surprise that his scoring increased when the number of quality players around him went down.

As McCollum has returned to the lineup, Simons has been able to keep up his scoring bursts. The real test, however, will come when Lillard makes his way back to the court.

Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers may not have the luxury of time to figure out if that combination works. Lillard’s injury timeline is unclear, but he’s not coming back anytime soon. Then, Simons hits restricted free agency.

Based on his play, Simons could be looking for a major raise next season. But if he’s going to slot behind Lillard and McCollum, rather than alongside one of them, it’s going to be hard to justify the case to pay him a lot of money. It will look even worse if Simons regresses closer to the type of player he was before this season.

Portland is going through a major shift in leadership, too. Chauncey Billups is in his first season as head coach after a long reign for Terry Stotts. Neil Olshey was fired as GM earlier in the season after reports of misconduct.

The ground is shaking in Rip City, and a new regime may be interested in starting things anew.

The current era of Portland Trail Blazers has experienced a lot of success but has never made it to the promised land. If the next era is going to go further, Portland may have to take some big gambles.

Simons’ future is looking just like that, one way or another.

Next. The Blazers need to seriously consider blowing it up. dark

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