Simmons Gives Measured Assessment of Blazers’ Free Agency Moves

The Trail Blazers’ busy offseason fell under the microscope on a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast. The Ringer’s frontman, Bill Simmons, explained that several of the Blazers’ new faces were unable to stay on the floor in the postseason.

Outside of a few positive comments, Simmons was quick to say that he does not understand the praise that is being heaped on Portland’s moves.

They added Robert Covington. Harry Giles, he won’t play when it matters. Derrick Jones [Jr.] couldn’t play for four rounds for Miami. Kanter was unplayable for the Celtics. They kept Carmelo, which I think is in a weird way kind of dangerous, even though I know he is an important background locker room guy.

Despite his criticism of the moves that the Blazers made this offseason, Simmons finished by talking about their favorable chances in a crowded Western Conference.

I think Portland’s in the top three, and you would probably have a Lakers, Clippers, Blazers, Nuggets with Clippers, Blazers, Nuggets in some order.

Last season, the Blazers finished at No. 9 in the Western Conference after a spirited run of games inside the bubble. After defeating the Grizzlies in the play-in round, the Blazers claimed the final postseason slot in the Western Conference.