Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
After being eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans, the Portland Trail Blazers were seeking to add a good player in the draft to help them bounce back next season.
With the 24th overall pick, the Trail Blazers went with a talented guard prospect in Anfernee Simons. Last year, Simons elected to bypass college and spent the year playing at the IMG Academy.
Simons has shown the ability to be a good scorer that can hurt opposing teams in multiple ways. For Simons, coming to the Trailblazers is a good landing spot, as he will be able to learn from two of the best guards in the game.
Both Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are great players, and they make up one of the best backcourts in the NBA. While Simons will hope to be playing behind them in the rotation, he might have a hard time getting extended minutes in his rookie season. However, practice time with and against Lillard and McCollum will be good for the development of Simons.
Since he didn’t play in college, this could be a risky pick for the Trail Blazers. However, there is no denying that Simons has a lot of talent.