The Portland Trail Blazers struggled for shot creation on the second unit in 2019/20. Which point guards could they sign to reinforce the bench unit?
To begin the 2019/20 season, the Portland Trail Blazers had two players who were meant to be secondary ball handlers off the bench; Mario Hezonja and Anfernee Simons.
Because they have primary creator, Damian Lillard, and secondary ball-handler CJ McCollum, they assumed they only needed basic creation on the second unit. Unfortunately, both Hezonja and Simons struggled in this role.
Simons wasn’t able to play make for others at all, and because he struggled with his offensive game and defending at an NBA level, he fell out of the rotation.
Hezonja had a better year as a playmaker, but his lack of shooting and inconsistency on defense meant he was in and out of the rotation. Both Hezonja and Simons are back in the 2021 season, but it remains to be seen if they can earn their spots back in the rotation.
Blazer management would probably like Dame and CJ to play fewer minutes next season rather than be at the top of the league in minutes played too. They need a lighter load in the 2021 season.
The Blazers need a backup point guard who can break down defenses and knock down the odd shot.