Blazers: 5 goals for Anfernee Simons to achieve in his rookie season

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Anfernee Simons #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Explosive first step

Touted as one of the top high school scorers in the class of 2018, Simons didn’t get a chance to show it off because he remained at IMG Academy and out of the NCAA spotlight. Part of that unknown offensive prowess stems from his athleticism.

At the combine, Simons ranked second among all players in maximum vertical leap and first among point guards in the three-quarter court sprint. For a guard who will spend a lot of time bending around screens, having elite speed and jumping makes him dangerous on drives.

However, in the Summer League, Simons didn’t show that first-step explosion he so frequently exhibited with IMG Academy. He had his fair share of fastbreak finishes and big dunks, but rarely did he create them on his own.

The rookie can utilize his athleticism by getting to the paint off screens, but a casual first step limits his penetration capability. Also, his wiry, 183-pound frame can’t keep defenders from bumping him out of the lane. While he continues to bulk up, generating space from a quick first step avoids any off-putting contact.

To use his speed and vertical for shot creation, Simons needs to demonstrate quickness from the stand still.