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Visualizing the Portland Trail Blazers 2019-20 depth chart

By Austin Carroll

PORTLAND, OR - September 30: Zach Collins #33 Damian Lillard #0 and Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on during the team's annual Fan Fest open scrimmage September 30, 2018 at the Moda Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - September 30: Zach Collins #33 Damian Lillard #0 and Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on during the team's annual Fan Fest open scrimmage September 30, 2018 at the Moda Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

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.