During the 2022-2023 NBA season, Anfernee Simons had an impressive record, averaging 21 points per game, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. He was able to shoot 45% from the field and 38% from three-point range, taking around 8-17 shots per game. With Damian Lillard's expected departure from the Portland Trailblazers' backcourt, Simons is expected to become the primary scorer. Lillard used to average around 10-20 shots per game, and this may potentially free up 37 minutes of gameplay and almost 20 shots, leaving Simons in a prime position to lead the offense.

Although Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are both young and full of potential, being 19 and 20 years old, respectively, they still need more time to become the highest-scoring players on the Blazers team. However, with the recent signing of Jermi Grant to a max contract, this young team has positioned itself to continue to compete at the highest level. While more free agency moves may change this, I see Anfernee Simons taking on the role of an All-Star caliber scorer. With Lillard's absence, Simons will be able to shine and play a point guard-type role.

My prediction for Simons' stat line next year is around 26-32 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, placing him in the conversation of elite-level scorers such as Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, and Stephen Curry. Although these are the best of the best NBA guards, the additional 10-20 shots around this young Blazers team, and more time running the point guard position, will allow Simons to move freely within the offense.

Anfernee Simons has consistently improved every year within this league and has proven his ability to score at all levels on the floor. He has an average of 39% from three-point range while taking almost 4-9 shots per game in the past two seasons. I see these numbers improving with Damian Lillard's absence. Adding a true point guard in Scoot Henderson will help Simons create more open looks and make scoring easier. Simons' ability to space the floor with high volume and highly efficient scoring is what the Blazers will look toward while running their offense.

In conclusion, I believe that Anfernee Simons will become a top 15 guard in the 2023-2024 NBA season and a household name while becoming a borderline superstar in the absence of Damian Lillard.

-K247Sports

https://k247sports.blogspot.com/2023/07/anfernee-simons-will-average-26-ppg-in.html