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Portland Trail Blazers: Discussing Damian Lillard’s struggles with Roger Galo

By Andy Quach

Damian Lillard, Luke Kennard, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard, Luke Kennard, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Anfernee Simons, De'Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings
Anfernee Simons, De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Roger Galo identifies Anfernee Simon’s secret stuff

Anfernee Simons has shown steady growth each year, particularly with his picture-perfect 3-point shot. His development has taken him from the first prospect taken straight out of high school since the rule was reversed to the Blazers quintessential sixth man.

Already one of the best spot-up deep shooters in the league last season, Simons has taken his game to another level, showing an improved pull-up jumper and a newly discovered ability to attack the rim.

So how does an already elite shooter continue to improve? By perfecting the little things says Coach Galo:

"It’s evident to me that he’s reduced the excessiveness of some of his mechanics. He’s demonstrating more control of his entire body during his shot attempts, which will help to minimize those [valleys] when he’s not at his best that can drag down his percentage. His right knee caving inward seems to be less of a detriment. His shooting arm seems to be steadier than previously, as well."

Watch how he’s turned himself from a 33 percent deep shooter into a currently 44 percent sniper on a career-high 6.4 attempts through seven games:

Coach Galo has certainly done his homework, as it’s evident that Simons has actively purified his shooting form between 2020 and his current breakout year.

Pay attention to his feet. Against the Golden State Warriors in his second season, Ant actively closes his stance on the catch, making it harder for him to maintain good balance on his launch. Against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season, Simons shows off much more fundamental footwork, with his feet directly below his shoulders, squared to his target.

Galo’s notes about his upper body ring true as well. Ant has removed the hitch from his release, limiting the variation that can come on different attempts.

Hopefully, coach will go 3-3, as he predicted that Simons’s new form will prevent him from undergoing extended cold spells and keep his hot shooting sustainable.