4 Trail Blazers who must step up in Shaedon Sharpe's absence

2. Anfernee Simons

With Scoot now seeming like the Blazers' final starter, Anfernee Simons will have to switch from being the lead ballhandler to playing more off-ball at the shooting guard spot. Although he is at his best with the ball in his hands, Simons must find a way to remain just as impactful when playing more off-ball.

That shouldn't be an issue for Simons, as he is a combo guard who can thrive at either guard position, given his shooting and playmaking ability. Part of that will also be the responsibility of head coach Chauncey Billups to put him in a position to succeed.

The main concern with a Scoot-Simons backcourt is that they are both listed at 6-foot-3, and their lack of size will be a defensive liability. The Blazers have much more defense and size this year compared to last year, between a (hopefully) healthy Robert Williams III and the key additions of Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija.

These three players, as well as Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and Matisse Thybulle, will help cover for the backcourt duo. But the pressure is now on Simons to be even more effective on the offensive end in order to make up for what their backcourt is giving up defensively.