Blazers stay the course on their rebuilding project heading into the new season
The Portland Trail Blazers didn’t make any splashy moves in the offseason, opting to stay on course with a long-term rebuilding projectSEPTEMBER 30 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
ANFERNEE SIMONS #1 - SHOOTING GUARD - PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
17.3 PPG •
2.6 RPG •
4.3 APG
17.3 PPG
2.6 RPG
4.3 APG
Cleared to participate in camp Portland general manager Joe Cronin said Monday that Simons (knee) has been cleared for training camp this week, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.
Impact The Trail Blazers shut Simons down for the 2023-24 season on March 22, taking a cautious approach like they did with most of their key players. Simons is expected to have a massive offensive role for Portland and posted impressive regular-season averages of 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.4 triples in 2023-24.
SEPTEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE
Trail Blazers enter free agency amid Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons trade speculation The Blazers aren't expected to be big players in free agency.
JULY 1 • OREGONLIVE.COM
Officially out for finale Simons (knee) will not play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Kings.
Impact No surprise here, as Simons has not played since March 22 and was deemed doubtful prior to the game. He will finish the season with career-high averages of 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.4 triples across 34.4 minutes per game. The 24-year-old will now set his sights on the 2024-25 campaign.
APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE
Doubtful to play Sunday Simons (knee) is doubtful to play Sunday against the Kings.
Impact Simons hasn't played since March 22, when he lasted just 22 minutes in a 125-117 loss to the Clippers, but there's an outside chance he'll see the court in the final game of the campaign. The Blazers would be wise to hold him out, however, as the team has nothing to play for in the season finale. Simons enters the regular-season finale with averages of 22.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game across 46 starts.
APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE
Will remain sidelined Friday Simons (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Rockets.
Impact Simons continues to deal with left knee tendinitis and will be unavailable for a 10th consecutive game. It seems unlikely that he'll return for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Kings.
APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE
Out again Thursday Simons (knee) won't play in Thursday's game against Golden State.
Impact Thursday's contest marks Simon's ninth straight as he battles tendinitis in his left knee. He'll have two more chances to return, with the first coming Friday against the Rockets.
APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE
Remains out Sunday Simons (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Impact Simons will miss an eighth consecutive game due to a nagging left knee problem, and it's unclear if he'll be available for the final week of the regular season. His next chance to feature will come against the Pelicans on Tuesday.
APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE
Won't play Friday Simons (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Wizards.
Impact Simons will be unavailable for a seventh consecutive game due to a left knee injury. Rayan Rupert should continue to start in his absence.
APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE
Remains sidelined Simons (knee) is out for Wednesday's game versus the Hornets.
Impact Simons' absence streak will extend to six games due to a left knee injury. Rayan Rupert should continue to draw starts in his absence. There is currently no timetable for SImons' return.
APRIL 2 • ROTOWIRE
Out again Monday Simons (knee) will not play Monday versus Orlando.
Impact Simons has not taken the court since March 22 as he continues overcoming left knee tendinitis. He is joined by Malcolm Brogdon (elbow tendinitis), Shaedon Sharpe (abdominal surgery) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle impingement) as inactive for an injury-riddled Portland backcourt.
MARCH 31 • ROTOWIRE
Ruled out for Friday Simons (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Heat.
Impact Simons will miss a fourth straight game due to left knee tendinitis. Rayan Rupert should draw another start in Simons' absence, but Dalano Banton continues to shine offensively for the shorthanded Trail Blazers. Simons' next chance to suit up will come Monday in Orlando.
MARCH 28 • ROTOWIRE
Absence to continue Wednesday Simons (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.
Impact Simons next opportunity to take the court comes Friday versus Miami, while Wednesday will represent his third consecutive absence due to left knee tendinitis. Scoot Henderson has capitalized in an enlarged role, averaging 19.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while connecting on 43.3 percent of 16.8 shots per game across his last four contests.
MARCH 26 • ROTOWIRE
Won't play Monday Simons (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Rockets.
Impact Simons will miss a second straight game due to left knee tendinitis. Rayan Rupert joined the starting lineup in Simons' absence Saturday but played only 21 minutes. Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton should lead Portland's backcourt in usage until Simons is cleared to play again.
MARCH 25 • ROTOWIRE
Questionable for Monday Simons (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against Houston.
Impact Simons is at risk of missing his second consecutive game due to left knee tendinitis. Scoot Henderson would be due for an enlarged workload if Simons cannot suit up, although he has averaged just 12.6 points, 4.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 15 games without Simons this season.
MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE
Remains out against Denver Simons (knee) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Nuggets.
Impact Simons will miss Saturday's contest due to a left knee injury he appears to have aggravated against the Clippers. Dalano Banton will likely start in his absence. Simons' next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Houston.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Ayton out, Simons injured during Trail Blazers' loss to LA Clippers The Blazers, who started four rookies, were led by Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray.
MARCH 23 • OREGONLIVE.COM
Won't return Friday Simons has been ruled out for the rest of Friday's game against the Clippers due to a knee injury. He recorded three points (1-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt), six assists and one steal in 22 minut...
Impact Simons was cleared to play Friday despite dealing with tendinitis in his left knee, so it would appear he's managing the same issue. The team figures to re-evaluate the guard in the morning to determine his status for Saturday's game against Denver.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Good to go Simons (knee) is available for Friday's matchup with the Clippers.
Impact Simons was in danger of missing Friday's contest due to left knee tendinitis, but he will ultimately play through the issue. Barring any setbacks, look for him to take on his usual workload. The shooting guard has averaged 24.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.8 triples across 36.0 minutes over his last four games.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Listed probable for Friday Simons is probable for Friday's game against the Clippers due to left knee tendinitis.
Impact Although Simons is probable, it's worth noting that Friday's game is the front end of a back-to-back set. If Simons does play Friday, the Trail Blazers could be tempted to rest him Saturday versus the Nuggets if he's not 100 percent.
MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE
Posts modest output in defeat Simons provided 14 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one block in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 116-103 loss to the Clippers.
Impact Simons reached double-digit scoring for the 10th straight contest, but this was his lowest point total during that stretch. In fact, he came into the contest with two performances of 30-plus points over his past three games. The talented guard's relatively quiet line also included his fewest assists since late February. Simons has been the Blazers' centerpiece on offense throughout the campaign, so he's a good bet to bounce back with a more robust stat line in his next contest.
MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE
Will play Wednesday Simons (knee) will play Wednesday against the Clippers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Impact Simons will continue to power through his knee issue and he should continue to get all the run he can handle for this Portland team that is hurting for healthy bodies. Make sure you've got him active.
MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE
Questionable for Wednesday Simons is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Clippers due to left knee tendinitis.
Impact Simons wasn't on the Trail Blazers' initial injury report for Wednesday, but he's dealing with a left knee issue that puts his status up in the air. He's appeared in the last two matchups, averaging 27.5 points, 8.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 37.5 minutes per game.
MARCH 20 • ROTOWIRE
Hits for 30 in Chicago Simons recorded 30 points (10-24 FG, 4-14 3Pt, 6-7 FT), three rebounds and nine assists in 39 minutes during Monday's 110-107 loss to the Bulls.
Impact The 24-year-old guard reached the 30-point mark for the fourth time in his last nine games, a stretch in which Simons is averaging 27.4 points, 7.1 assists, 4.4 boards and 4.3 threes. Portland's young backcourt is beginning to show signs of gelling, and Simons' usage isn't likely to shrink any time soon with Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) still lacking a clear timeline for his return.
MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE
Nails five triples in return Simons chipped in 25 points (9-18 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes during Saturday's 126-107 loss to New Orleans.
Impact Simons hit the ground running after missing the previous game due to a knee injury, tallying 25 points including five triples. Despite the loss, managers have to be thrilled that Simons only missed one game, that game being on the second night of a back-to-back. While this does indicate he could miss another few games before the season is done, there has been no sign of a shut-down at this period.
MARCH 17 • ROTOWIRE
