Point Guard Rotation
Starter: Damian Lillard
As expected, Damian Lillard will lead the Portland Trail Blazers into battle as the floor general for years to come after signing his supermax extension. What may have not been as expected is the timing of this decision.
By signing the supermax this summer instead of the following year, Lillard forfeits the fifth year on his extension. If he had waited until next summer to make this decision, Lillard could have secured a maximum pay day all the way until he is 35-years-old.
Instead, this move locks down long-term security for Lillard why also presenting a team-friendly opt out on that final year, saving the team a truck load of cash on a player way past his prime. For this upcoming season and many more to come, the Portland Trail Blazers depth chart and rotation will be tailor made to complement Lillard’s abilities.
Bench: Anfernee Simons
Much has been said of the promising Anfernee Simons as he heads into his second season with the organization. Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey sang high praise for Simons in his post-draft press conference.
"“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 [Damian Lillard] and [C.J. McCollum] were, 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.” -Neil Olshey"
Considering the high regard the organization seems to hold him in and the departure of Seth Curry in free agency, allowing Simons to slide over to the backup ball handler and distributor role seems like the natural next step.
We all witnessed what Simons is capable of during his 37 point, 9 assist and 6 rebound season finale performance against the Kings. Here’s to hoping he can replicate that if given a larger role and more play time.