Blazers Select De’Anthony Melton in 2018 NBA Draft Redo

Portland Trail Blazers rookie Anfernee Simons has played as much as most rookies under head coach Terry Stotts, which is to say not much at all. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has Portland selecting current Suns point guard De’Anthony Melton over Simons in his re-drafting of the 2018 rookie class:

Melton slipped during the real draft after being forced to miss last season because he was linked to the pay-for-play scandal. In limited minutes with Phoenix, he’s made a case for first-round consideration of a re-draft for his passing, on-ball defense and potential to improve as a shooter.

Melton originally went No. 46 at the draft. He has appeared in 24 games for the lowly Suns, averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds over 20.3 minutes per game.

So what happened to Simons? He goes one pick later to the Los Angeles Lakers, who have their own G League affiliate:

Simons needs time in the G League, which he’s not getting since Portland doesn’t have an affiliate. The Lakers would take him here after looking through the long-term projection lens that approves his athleticism, ball-handling skill and shot-making.

Simons has appeared in six games for the Blazers so far, averaging 1.8 points over 7.3 minutes per game.

You can read Wasserman’s entire re-draft here.