Anfernee Simons has steadily emerged as a dynamic and vital component of the Portland Trail Blazers, captivating fans with his explosive scoring, dazzling athleticism, and burgeoning playmaking abilities. Once a high school sensation who bypassed college to enter the NBA Draft, Simons’ journey has been one of continuous growth and adaptation, culminating in his current role as a key offensive engine for the Blazers. 

This comprehensive article delves into every facet of Anfernee Simons’ career, from his early days and draft process to his current impact in the NBA, his playing style, recent trends as of 2025, practical insights for fans and aspiring players, and his future outlook.

Introduction: Who is Anfernee Simons?

Anfernee Tyrik Simons, born on June 8, 1999, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, is an American professional basketball player currently serving as a shooting guard for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Unique among his draft class, Simons became the first American player since 2005 to be selected directly from high school, opting out of a collegiate career to jump straight to the pros. 

This bold move underscored his immense talent and potential, which the Trail Blazers recognized when they drafted him 24th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. His parents, Charles and Tameka Simons, named him after legendary NBA guard Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, a testament to their love for basketball and a name that would foreshadow his own rise in the league.

The Journey to the NBA: High School Phenom to Draft Prospect

Anfernee Simons’ path to professional basketball was anything but conventional. He attended Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a prestigious sports-focused preparatory school known for developing elite athletic talent. 

During his high school tenure, Simons quickly gained national recognition as a five-star recruit, showcasing an impressive offensive repertoire that included deep range shooting, acrobatic finishes at the rim, and exceptional ball-handling.

His decision to forgo college was a significant talking point in the basketball world. Originally, he had committed to the University of Louisville, but due to various scandals affecting the program, he decommitted and ultimately declared for the 2018 NBA Draft. This made him a fascinating prospect, as teams had to evaluate his raw talent without the benefit of a college season against top-tier competition. Scouts were impressed by his athleticism, shooting touch, and potential as a primary ball-handler, leading to his selection by the Portland Trail Blazers, a franchise known for developing talented guards.

Unpacking Anfernee Simons’ Playing Style

Anfernee Simons is renowned for his dynamic offensive game, primarily as a scoring guard with increasingly refined playmaking abilities. His playing style is characterized by:

Explosive Scoring

Simons possesses an innate ability to create his own shot. He can score efficiently from all three levels of the court – at the rim, from mid-range, and particularly from beyond the arc. His quick first step allows him to blow by defenders, and his athleticism enables him to finish creatively in traffic. He has a smooth shooting stroke, especially from three-point range, making him a constant threat when given space.

Elite Three-Point Shooting

One of Simons’ most potent weapons is his three-point shooting. Over his career, he has consistently shot around 38-40% from deep, often on a high volume of attempts. In the 2020-21 season, he notably shot 42.6% from three, demonstrating his capability as a high-percentage long-range threat. This makes him a valuable floor-spacer and a difficult cover for opposing defenses.

Developing Playmaking

While primarily a scorer, Simons has shown significant strides in his playmaking. His assist numbers have steadily climbed, reflecting an improved understanding of the game and his ability to read defenses to find open teammates. As of the 2024-25 season, his assists per game reached 4.8, indicating his growing comfort in a more prominent ball-handling role. This evolution is crucial for his long-term success and for the Blazers’ offensive scheme.

Athleticism and Agility

Simons’ athleticism is evident in his quick bursts, vertical leap, and ability to change directions. This allows him to navigate through defenses, create separation for jumpers, and be a factor in transition. His 6’9.25″ wingspan, despite his 6’3″ height, also aids him defensively and in disrupting passing lanes.

Defensive Growth (or lack thereof)

Historically, defense has been an area where Simons has faced criticism. As a smaller guard, he can be targeted by bigger, stronger opponents. However, there has been a noticeable effort to improve his defensive engagement and understanding. 

While still not considered a lockdown defender, his increased activity, reflected in his career-high 0.9 steals per game in the 2024-25 season, suggests a commitment to becoming more impactful on that end of the floor. His defensive metrics, such as CraftedDPM (Defensive Player Impact Metric) and DRIP (Defensive Real Plus-Minus), indicate he is still below average defensively, but marginal improvements are a positive sign.

Anfernee Simons’ Impact on the Portland Trail Blazers

Anfernee Simons’ impact on the Portland Trail Blazers has been multifaceted and increasingly significant. In the wake of major roster changes and the departure of long-time star Damian Lillard, Simons has stepped into a vital role as a primary offensive option and a leader for a young and rebuilding team.

Offensive Engine: Simons has become the team’s leading scorer in recent seasons, shouldering a significant portion of the offensive burden. His ability to create shots and score from anywhere on the court is crucial for a team that is still developing its offensive identity. He provides much-needed spacing and a consistent threat from beyond the arc.

Developing Chemistry with Young Core: With the emergence of other promising young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, Simons’ role is evolving. While he has been the primary ball-handler, there is a clear strategic focus on Henderson’s development as the lead guard. 

This means Simons often plays off-ball more, utilizing his shooting and cutting ability, but also acting as a secondary playmaker. The synergy between Simons, Henderson, and Sharpe will be critical to the Blazers’ future success. As of May 2025, there are questions about the long-term fit of having two smaller guards like Simons and Henderson, especially with Shaedon Sharpe also on the roster.

Leadership Role: As one of the more experienced players on a young roster, Simons has taken on a quiet leadership role. His dedication to his craft and his professional approach serve as an example for his younger teammates. 

He has also been actively involved in community initiatives, winning the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award in March 2025 for his contributions, including providing scholarships and supporting mental health initiatives. This off-court leadership further solidifies his importance to the franchise.

Team Performance: The Blazers finished the 2024-25 season with a 36-46 record, a notable improvement from their 21-61 record in the 2023-24 season. While still not a playoff team, this upward trend suggests that the young core, with Simons at its forefront, is making strides. The team’s ability to close the gap on playoff contention hinges significantly on Simons’ continued development and consistency.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Players from Anfernee Simons’ Journey

Anfernee Simons’ career offers valuable lessons for aspiring basketball players:

Develop a Signature Skill: Simons’ elite three-point shooting was a key factor in his early success and remains a cornerstone of his game. Identify and relentlessly refine a specific skill that sets you apart.

Embrace Continuous Growth: Simons wasn’t an overnight star. He consistently worked on his game, gradually improving his playmaking, finishing, and even defensive effort. Understand that development is a continuous process.

Adapt to Your Role: As the Blazers’ roster evolved, Simons adapted his game, sometimes playing more off-ball, other times taking on primary ball-handling duties. Be flexible and willing to adjust your game for the benefit of the team.

Leverage Your Strengths: Simons’ athleticism and scoring instincts are undeniable. Focus on maximizing your natural talents while simultaneously addressing areas for improvement.

Perseverance Through Challenges: Bypassing college was a unique and high-pressure decision. Simons navigated the uncertainties of the draft and early NBA career with resilience, which is essential for any aspiring professional.

FAQ

What is Anfernee Simons’ current contract status and salary?

Anfernee Simons is currently under a 4-year, $100 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, which he signed in July 2022. For the 2024-25 NBA season, he earned a base salary of $25,892,857. His contract runs through the 2025-26 season, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent.

How has Anfernee Simons’ role evolved with the Portland Trail Blazers?

Simons began his career as a developmental prospect and bench player, gradually earning more minutes. Following the departure of Damian Lillard, he has stepped into a primary scoring and ball-handling role. As of 2025, with the emergence of Scoot Henderson, Simons’ role is evolving to include more off-ball play, utilizing his shooting and becoming a secondary playmaker, while still maintaining a significant offensive burden.

What are Anfernee Simons’ key strengths as a player?

Anfernee Simons’ key strengths include his explosive scoring ability from all three levels, particularly his elite three-point shooting (consistently around 38-40%), his quick first step, and his developing playmaking skills. He has shown significant improvement in finding open teammates and creating opportunities for others.

What are the main concerns or areas for improvement for Anfernee Simons?

The primary concerns for Anfernee Simons revolve around his defensive impact, as he is often targeted by opposing offenses. Additionally, managing injuries and maintaining consistent health will be crucial for his long-term success. His fit alongside fellow young guard Scoot Henderson is also a significant topic of discussion, prompting questions about optimal backcourt synergy and potential trade scenarios.

Has Anfernee Simons won any NBA awards or achieved notable distinctions?

Yes, Anfernee Simons notably won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2021, showcasing his impressive athleticism. In March 2025, he was also honored with the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for his significant philanthropic efforts, including providing scholarships and supporting mental health initiatives in his community.

Final Thoughts

Anfernee Simons stands as a testament to diligent development and the power of perseverance in the challenging landscape of the NBA. From a high school prospect who bypassed the traditional collegiate route to a central figure in the Portland Trail Blazers’ rebuilding efforts, his journey has been marked by consistent growth and increasing impact. 

While questions about his long-term fit and defensive capabilities persist, his offensive prowess, particularly his dynamic scoring and sharpshooting, makes him an indispensable asset. 

As the Blazers continue to forge their identity around a young core, Simons’ continued evolution as a scorer, playmaker, and even a more engaged defender will be pivotal. His commitment to both on-court excellence and off-court community engagement paints a picture of a player poised to leave a lasting mark on the league for years to come.

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