Blazers Rookie Simons Feels “Pretty Good” in Summer League Competition

Rookie Anfernee Simons’ NBA Summer League debut for the Portland Trail Blazers has gotten off to a fast start. The 19-year-old guard has achieved double-digit scoring totals in both Portland’s outings, connecting on three of his six three-point attempts. Blazer’s Edge contributor Steve Dewald spoke with the alum of IMG Academy’s post-grad program about how he is adapting to the level of competition in Las Vegas.

Steve Dewald: How do you feel after two games against the competition here in Las Vegas?

Anfernee Simons: I feel pretty good. I tried to go out there and play my game. I tried to do the things to get us a win, and I feel like I did both of those things.

SD: You have looked good on offense. How do you feel about your performances so far?

AS: I think I’ve been playing pretty well. Offensively, I’ve let the game come to me. I’m trying not to rush anything, and I’m trying to look for my shot.

SD: Have some of the more experienced guys, guys like Wade Baldwin, given you any advice to help you get ready for summer league?

AS: Yes. Over the past few days he’s [Baldwin] trying to show me the [right] things to do. The coaches have all helped out a lot.

Simons has participated in 36 minutes of action through the first two games of the Trail Blazers’ Las Vegas Summer League stint. Along with averaging 11.5 points per game through two games, Simons has made an impact on the defensive end by notching 1.5 steals and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Portland returns to action on Tuesday to face San Antonio. The Spurs will should be another solid test for Simons, as he will face fellow 2018 first-round pick Lonnie Walker IV.