**Stats & Analysis as of 02/23/2022
With Damian Lillard likely out for the majority of the 2021-2022 NBA Season, the Portland Trailblazers have given the keys to their offense to young point guard Anfernee Simons. In these 23 games without Lillard, the 22 year old phenom has impressed many, averaging 24 points, and 6 assists on 61% TS. Not only is he averaging these impressive stats on ultra-efficient shooting splits, but he has also led the crippled Blazers to a 12-12 record with impressive wins against the Kevin Durant’s Nets, Ja Morant’s Grizzlies and even LeBron James’ Lakers. This impressive streak of games have led many to ponder just how good Anfernee Simons is, and if he deserves to win the 2022 most improved player.
Sure, these twenty three games have been spectacular, but what about the 30 other games Simons has played in this season?
_______________________________________________________________________________
Anfernee Simon's Stats This Season: (Prior to January)
11.9 PPG (5th in team)
54.4 TS% (-1 rTS)*
37.3 3P% (+2.5 3P%)*
39.2 Touches (7th in team)
21.6 USG% (5th in team)
1.76 AST/TO (6th in team)
-2.0 NetRTG (4th in team)
* (1% under league average True Shooting)
*(2.5% above league average)
Obviously, looking at these stats, no one would think the blazers should trade away Damian Lillard to rebuild over this seemingly average player. But when you look into the games Simons has played in without CJ McCollum or Damian Lillard, you will get a completely different view.
In these 6 games without the stellar backcourt of Lillard and McCollum hindering his touches, the young guard averaged these stellar stats:
Anfernee Simons Stats Since January 1st 2021 (To All Star Break):
23.6 PPG (1st on team) (Up by 11.7 PPG)*
61.0 TS% (+5.0 rTS) (Up by 6.6 TS%)
41.8 3P% (+6.9 r3P) (Up 4.5 3P%)
46.4 FG% (4th on team) (Up by 4.1 FG%)
6.1 AST (1st on team) (Up by 4.0 AST)
2.18 AST/TO (1st on team) (Up by 1.3 AST/TO)
+7.49 netRTG(1st on team) (Up by 9.5 netRTG)
26.0 USG% (1st on team) (Up by 4.4 USG%)
84.2 touches (1st on team) (Up by 45 Touches)
12/12 Win/Loss record **(+13 win%)
* compared to his stats prior to January
** compared to team record prior to January
________________________________________________________________________________
Just how impressive are these stats?
Simon’s stats since the start of 2022 has been nothing short of spectacular. Anfernee has clocked in the 3rd most points, and 4th most assists for all shooting guards in this stretch. He also has the highest TS%, 3P% and 2nd highest FG% for all shooting guards averaging at least 23 PPG. These stats not only show his lethal shot-making ability, but also show the elite efficiency that comes with it.
The 22 year old has also led a depleted Blazers team to a 12-12 record, good for 7th in the Western Conference over this time span. To put this in perspective, Simons has accomplished this feat without Damian Lillard, and only twelve and nine games with CJ McCollum and Norman Powell, respectively. To do this as a first time, 22 year old starter is almost unheard of.
Simon's three-point shooting shows just how much of a star Simons can be. Since the beginning of the year, Simons has been leading the league in 3PM. Not only this, but he does it at an elite 42.3 3P%. To put it into perspective, Anfernee’s 4.4 3PM/Game is 6th all time in 3PM/game.
______________________________________________________________________________
Comments