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Way too early predictions for the 2024 Most Improved Player Award

By Thomas J. Brown

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a made basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 121-101. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a made basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 121-101. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Anfernee Simons (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Anfernee Simons (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Anfernee Simons- Portland Trail Blazers

The fact that Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers can score in bunches is no longer a secret. For the first few years of his career, he was able to hone his craft in practice against CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. McCollum has been gone for over a year and there are rumors that Portland will embrace the youth movement and send Lillard away soon.

If Lillard is indeed traded this offseason, the keys to the franchise will be handed to Simons along with rookie phenom Scoot Henderson. Last season, Simons averaged 21.1 points to go along with 4.1 assists while starting in all 62 of the games he played in. He has proven that he is capable of being a first option on an NBA team and holding his own. The question is, can the Blazers win while making him the focal point of their offense?

Simons’ points per game have increased every year he’s been in the league. However, the Blazers’ fortunes have fluctuated during that time span. When Simons was a rookie who didn’t receive much playing time, the team advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors. Last season, they failed to make the playoffs altogether. While it looks like the team is headed for a rebuild, Portland can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have a guard like Simons who can erupt for 30 points on any given night and help them stay competitive in ballgames.

If the team goes through with the Lillard trade, Simons could potentially boost his scoring to 25 points or more per night. If he is able to do that while helping Portland win enough games to earn a top-ten seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the Play-in tournament, he will be in the discussion for Most Improved Player of the Year when it’s all said and done.