Blazers’ Simons Looks to the Expertise of Jones Jr. for Dunk Competition Advice

High-flying Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons is set to debut on the national stage in Sunday’s dunk competition at the 2021 NBA All-Star Game showcase. In an interview with The Athletic’s Jason Quick, Simons revealed that he is collaborating with Derrick Jones Jr. prior to the event.

According to Simons, Jones—who won the contest last year—had some practical advice for the event.

“He says don’t make it so hard to where you are needing a lot of chances to do it; try to do it on the first try,” Simons said.

Simons also explained that he is working with Jones in an effort to decide which dunks he will attempt during the competition.

“We are going back and forth,” Simons said of Jones’ input. “If he sees something that is good, he will send it to me, and I will send something to him, saying we should think about this,” Simons said.

Outside of working with Jones, Simons revealed that he plans on getting Damian Lillard involved at some point.

“I will probably use Dame in one of my dunks, but I don’t know what I’m going to do yet,” Simons said.

Along with Simons, Robert Covington and Lillard will participate in events at the All-Star Game showcase in Atlanta. Covington is set to compete in the skills competition. Lillard, who was selected as a reserve for the main event, will also take part in the three-point competition.

You can read the full feature from Quick at The Athletic (subscription required).