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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 Players to take a chance on for preseason

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 08: Nassir Little #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on May 08, 2021 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. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 08: Nassir Little #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on May 08, 2021 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. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Anfernee Simons – fourth-year guard

Though there is a logjam of wings on this Blazers roster, in 2021 Anfernee Simons showed that he is a major piece on this Blazers roster and a legitimate shooting guard in the NBA.

Simons, with a cutoff for volume, was the best spot-up shooter in the NBA in 2021. Though he played just 16 minutes a game, he shot over 40 percent from three while some flashes when playmaking too. After a second year in 2020 where he fell out of the Blazers rotation, Ant went away and worked on his game, and came back a better player in 2021.

His defense was also greatly improved, as he showed the ability to stay in front of guys, and played some impressive help at the rim, and in transition.

Simons athleticism combined with his shooting ability means he has one of the higher ceilings of the young guys on this team. And if there is a major trade, then he would be the sixth man and first guard off the bench for this team.

This could be the year that Ant breaks out into a full rotation player.

Any of these three Blazer players could show why they deserve a bigger part of the rotation if they can show out in training camp. With the clock ticking on Damian Lillard‘s time in Portland, the Blazers need the young players to show out more than ever.