Young up-and-coming star Afernee Simons has been underneath Damian Lillard’s tutelage for the final 5 NBA seasons since he was the twenty fourth general decide by the Blazers within the 2018 NBA Draft.
Obviously, Simons has heard all the rumors about Dame and is aware of he could also be shedding him, however pressured he doesn’t know anymore than most people about what is going on behind closed doorways.
“I mean, like I always said, I never get myself involved in anything other than involving me directly so whatever is being said in the media is what I’m learning too,” Simons told Aaron J. Fentress. “So, like…A lot of people ask me that question all the time, obviously, like what’s going on with Dame. I say, ‘They say he asked for a trade, he asked for a trade.’ That was it. Obviously, me and Dame have a close relationship. I’m always going to support him no matter what he tries to do. It’s always going to be family concept with us.”
He additionally mirrored on all the things that Lillard has taught him however says he’ll move it onto the subsequent crop of NBA rookies.
“I hoped to ask for signed jersey when he retired from Portland however I imply, if he finally ends up some other place I’m going to must ask for it earlier than..he taught me a lot concerning the recreation, being skilled, how one can exercise, how one can carry your self in the sort of surroundings, how one can deal with success. He’s taught me lots of issues which have set me up in my profession.
“So obviously, those lessons will be missed and hopefully, I’ll obviously carry what he’s taught to me onto the other young players as well…”
One of these younger gamers is the Portland’s quantity two general decide on this 12 months’s draft, Scoot Henderson.
24-year-old Simons had lots of optimistic issues to say about Scoot.
“He’s as good as advertised,” Simons stated at his camp in Beaverton. “Understands the game at a high level, especially at his age. I’m pretty excited to play with him.”
Simons was the Blazers’ second finest scorer behind Lillard final season so if Lillard does go away, Simons will probably be educating Henderson the ropes.
He additionally could must share the ball with the proficient younger guard.
