Beyond the Arc & Expectations: The Anfernee Simons Story You Need to Know

Picture this: It’s June 21, 2018. The NBA Draft is buzzing. Names like Deandre Ayton, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young dominate the headlines. Then, with the 24th pick, the Portland Trail Blazers select… Anfernee Simons? A collective murmur ripples through the crowd. Who is Anfernee Simons? A skinny guard who skipped college entirely, honing his craft at the IMG Academy postgraduate program. The pressure was immense – joining a team led by the indomitable Damian Lillard, known for his killer work ethic and clutch gene. Could this young, relatively unknown prospect even find his footing?

Fast forward to today, and the answer is a resounding, electrifying YES. Anfernee Simons isn’t just finding his footing; he’s launching himself into the stratosphere as one of the NBA’s most exciting young guards. This is more than just a basketball story; it’s a testament to relentless work, quiet confidence, and seizing opportunity when the spotlight finally finds you. Buckle up, because Simons’ journey is one you’ll want to follow closely.

From IMG Academy to the NBA Draft: An Unconventional Path

Most NBA stars follow a well-trodden path: high school phenom, college standout (even if just for a year), then the draft. Anfernee Simons dared to be different. After a stellar high school career in Florida, he bypassed the NCAA entirely. Why?

The Post-Grad Route: He enrolled at IMG Academy’s postgraduate program. This wasn’t high school ball; it was a hyper-competitive environment designed to simulate professional preparation, facing older, stronger competition daily. Simons wasn’t just playing; he was training like a pro.
Betting on Himself: This move was a massive gamble. No national TV college games. No March Madness spotlight. Scouts had fewer live viewings. Simons bet entirely on his talent, work ethic, and the belief that focused development would trump traditional exposure. “I felt like I was ready,” Simons reflected later. “I wanted to challenge myself against the best competition I could find immediately.”
The Draft Slide: Despite showcasing elite athleticism and a silky-smooth shooting stroke during pre-draft workouts, the uncertainty of his unconventional path saw him slide to 24th. Teams were wary. The Blazers, known for their strong player development culture, saw potential where others saw risk. It was the perfect landing spot.

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Finding His Footing: The Apprenticeship Under Dame Time

Landing in Portland meant learning directly from one of the era’s premier point guards: Damian Lillard. The early years were about soaking it all in.

The Weight of Expectations (and Patience): Blazers fans, hungry for success alongside Lillard and CJ McCollum, wondered when (or if) the young Simons would contribute. His rookie year was predictably quiet – limited minutes, flashes of brilliance (like a 37-point explosion in the final game!), but mostly development behind the scenes.
Learning from the Master: Simons became a sponge. He observed Lillard’s legendary work ethic – the early mornings, the late nights, the meticulous preparation. He studied how Lillard navigated defenses, handled pressure, and led his team. “Just seeing how he carries himself, how professional he is every day… that’s the biggest thing I took,” Simons has often stated. It wasn’t just about the on-court skills; it was about the mindset of an elite NBA player.
Developing His Arsenal: While known for his athleticism and leaping ability (seriously, his dunks are gravity-defying!), Simons dedicated himself to rounding out his game. Ball-handling drills became religion. Film study intensified. Most importantly, he honed the skill that would become his signature: the pull-up three-pointer. That quick release, often off the dribble with a defender in his face, started becoming a reliable weapon.

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The Breakout Moment: Stepping into the Spotlight

Opportunity in the NBA often comes unexpectedly. For Anfernee Simons, it arrived with a thud – the sound of Damian Lillard needing abdominal surgery during the 2021-22 season.

Seizing the Starting Role: Suddenly, the Blazers needed a primary ball-handler and scorer. Coach Chauncey Billups turned to Simons. The pressure was immense: replace an icon and keep a playoff-hopeful team afloat. Simons didn’t just step up; he exploded.
January 3rd, 2022: A Star is Born: This date is etched in Blazers lore. Against the Atlanta Hawks, with Lillard sidelined, Simons unleashed a career-high 43 points. But it wasn’t just the volume; it was the manner. Deep threes, explosive drives, clutch baskets. He looked every bit the star Portland hoped he could become. He followed this up with consistent high-level play, averaging over 23 points and 7 assists in January. The league took notice.
Proving It Wasn’t a Fluke: Post-All-Star break, Simons continued his stellar play. He finished the season averaging 17.3 points and 3.9 assists, shooting a blistering 40.5% from three-point range. He wasn’t just filling in; he was establishing himself as a cornerstone for the future. He earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player award votes, finishing 4th – a clear sign of his massive leap.

Expert Insight: “What impressed me most during that stretch wasn’t just the scoring,” noted NBA analyst and former player Richard Jefferson. “It was the poise. He looked comfortable running the show, making decisions under pressure. That’s the hardest thing for a young guard to learn, and Simons accelerated the process dramatically. He showed he belonged as a starter.”

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The Established Star: Leading the Next Generation

With the departure of both Damian Lillard (trade to Milwaukee) and CJ McCollum (trade to New Orleans) in subsequent seasons, the Blazers’ torch was formally passed. Anfernee Simons was now the guy in Rip City.

The Franchise Cornerstone: The Blazers showed their faith, signing Simons to a well-deserved 4-year, $100 million contract extension in 2022. This wasn’t just a payday; it was a declaration – he was the foundation of their rebuild.
Elevating His Game (Despite Team Struggles): Leading a very young, rebuilding Blazers team presented new challenges. Defenses focused entirely on him. The wins were harder to come by. Yet, Simons continued to elevate his individual performance:
- 2022-23: Averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, shooting 37.7% from three.
- 2023-24: Took another leap, averaging a career-high 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, showcasing improved playmaking and leadership.
Expanding His Playmaking: No longer just a dynamic scorer, Simons embraced the role of primary playmaker. His assists rose significantly as he learned to leverage his scoring threat to create better looks for teammates like rookie sensation Scoot Henderson and sharpshooter Shaedon Sharpe. His court vision and passing took tangible steps forward.
Handling the Load: Being the focal point every single night is grueling physically and mentally. Simons has shown remarkable durability and resilience. While the team’s record reflects a rebuild, Simons’ individual growth and consistent high-level output against constant defensive pressure have been undeniable positives for the franchise’s future.

Research-Backed Data: According to Basketball-Reference, Simons joined elite company in the 2023-24 season. He was one of only 10 players in the entire NBA to average at least 22 points and 5 assists while shooting 38% or better from three-point range (min. 50 games). This places him alongside established superstars like Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in terms of that specific, high-efficiency scoring and playmaking combo.

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What Makes Anfernee Simons Special? Breaking Down His Game

So, what exactly makes Simons such a dynamic and valuable player? Let’s dissect his key skills:

Elite Shooting, Especially Off the Dribble: This is his superpower. Simons possesses a lightning-quick release and deep range. His ability to pull up for three off the bounce, even with a hand in his face, is among the best in the league. He forces defenders to guard him tightly from well beyond the arc, opening driving lanes. (Shooting Splits: Career 38.7% 3PT on high volume).
Explosive Athleticism: Don’t let the smooth jumper fool you. Simons is a freak athlete. His vertical leap is exceptional, making him a threat for highlight-reel dunks in transition and a capable finisher above the rim in traffic. This athleticism also aids his defense and rebounding for his position.
Improved Playmaking & Ball Handling: Once primarily a scorer, Simons has diligently worked on his handle and vision. He’s become much more comfortable navigating pick-and-rolls, reading defenses, and finding open teammates. His assist numbers climbing steadily is proof of this development.
Developing Leadership & Poise: Transitioning from role player to franchise centerpiece requires a different mentality. Simons, known for his quiet demeanor, has grown into a more vocal leader on the court. He handles double-teams and late-game pressure with increasing calmness, learning from the inevitable mistakes of carrying a young team.
Work Ethic: Underpinning it all is a legendary work ethic, honed under Lillard’s example and intrinsic to his character. Blazers staff consistently rave about his dedication in the gym and film room. It’s the engine driving his continuous improvement.

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The Future is Bright: What’s Next for Ant?

At just 25 years old (as of June 2024), Anfernee Simons’ trajectory points firmly upward. What can we expect?

All-Star Aspirations: With continued production and development, especially if the young Blazers start winning more games, Simons has the talent to earn his first NBA All-Star selection in the competitive Western Conference. His scoring prowess and highlight-reel plays garner attention.
Refining Point Guard Mastery: The next evolution involves becoming an even more efficient floor general. Cutting down turnovers, making even quicker reads, and consistently elevating his teammates’ play will be key focuses. Can he become a true 25+ point, 7+ assist guy with elite efficiency?
Defensive Consistency: While possessing the physical tools (quickness, length), Simons’ defense has room to grow. Locking in more consistently on that end, using his athleticism to be a disruptive force, would elevate him to a truly complete two-way star.
Leading the Blazers’ Resurgence: The ultimate goal is leading Portland back to playoff contention and beyond alongside Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and the pieces GM Joe Cronin assembles. Simons is central to this timeline. His growth will directly impact how quickly the Blazers can climb the Western Conference ladder.

Expert Insight: “Simons has the scoring package to be a perennial All-Star,” says ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler. “The next step is mastering the nuances of winning basketball every single night with that target on his back. Can he impact winning when his shot isn’t falling? That’s the challenge for all elite scorers making the leap to franchise leaders. His work ethic suggests he’ll figure it out.”

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More Than Just Hoops: The Person Behind the Player

Beyond the dazzling crossovers and deep threes, who is Anfernee Simons?

The Quiet Competitor: Simons isn’t the loudest guy on the court. His demeanor is often calm, even stoic. But don’t mistake that for a lack of fire. His competitiveness burns intensely; he just channels it through his play rather than his words.
Family Foundation: Simons frequently credits his close-knit family for his grounded nature. Their support was crucial during his unconventional journey and remains a bedrock.
Gamer at Heart: Like many of his generation, Simons is an avid gamer. It’s a way to relax, connect with friends, and indulge in some friendly competition away from the NBA grind.
Community Minded: He’s increasingly involved in the Portland community, understanding the responsibility that comes with being a franchise player. Expect his off-court impact to grow alongside his on-court stature.

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Why Anfernee Simons Matters: The Takeaway

Anfernee Simons’ story resonates because it embodies core values we admire:

The Power of the Unconventional Path: He proved you don’t need the traditional NCAA route to succeed if you have the talent, drive, and find the right developmental environment.
The Value of Patience and Preparation: His years learning behind Lillard weren’t wasted; they were an investment. He stayed ready, and when his moment came, he was prepared to explode.
Relentless Work Ethic: Talent gets you noticed; work ethic turns potential into stardom. Simons’ dedication in the gym is the foundation of his rise.
Resilience in Transition: Stepping out of a superstar’s shadow and leading a rebuild is incredibly difficult. Simons has embraced the challenge and thrived individually despite team struggles.
Quiet Confidence: He doesn’t need the loudest bark; his game does the talking. His steady, confident approach is a strength.

In an era of instant gratification, Simons is a reminder that development isn’t always linear. Sometimes the brightest stars take a little longer to ignite, but when they do, they shine with a unique and captivating light. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a symbol of dedication, patience paying off, and the exciting future of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Keep your eyes on number 1 in Rip City. Anfernee Simons is just getting started, and his next chapter promises to be his most thrilling yet. The kid from IMG Academy is well on his way to becoming an NBA household name.