Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report recently noted that the Trail Blazers aren’t actively shopping Anfernee Simons. While that doesn’t guarantee Simons will remain in Portland, it suggests his chances of staying are higher than many anticipated.
If GM Joe Cronin is indeed keeping Simons in the long-term plans, it could shape the Blazers’ strategy in the 2025 NBA Draft. With the No. 11 pick, Portland may no longer need to prioritize a Simons replacement and could instead focus on a forward — with Arizona’s Carter Bryant and Ratiopharm Ulm’s Noa Essengue emerging as ideal targets.
If the Trail Blazers commit to keeping Anfernee Simons, they must double down on building a roster that complements his strengths while masking his weaknesses. After years of missteps building around Damian Lillard — another offensively gifted but defensively limited guard — Portland seems to be taking a smarter approach with Simons, whose game mirrors Lillard’s in many ways. Simons has consistently posted the worst defensive rating on the team, so the key will be surrounding him with tough, versatile defenders.
The Blazers have already started doing that with frontcourt additions like Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan. Adding Carter Bryant or Noa Essengue in the draft would further strengthen that foundation. Landing one of those forwards could also provide a seamless transition plan if the Blazers are able to move on from Jerami Grant’s contract this offseason. Thanks to Camara and Avdija’s positional versatility, Chauncey Billups would gain valuable lineup flexibility — but that only works if there’s another capable forward ready to step in and fill the gap.
Blazers must surround Anfernee Simons with the right pieces
Forward depth remains a major need for the Blazers, regardless of Jerami Grant’s future. With a top-eight consensus forming in the draft — one that leaves out Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue, there’s a strong chance one will be available at No. 11. From a fit standpoint, these two stand out. Though both are raw — Bryant averaged 6.5 points in under 20 minutes at Arizona, and Essengue posted 12.4 points in 23.7 minutes at Ulm — they’ve already shown they can impact winning without being go-to options. That bodes well for their transition to the NBA.
Why Bryant and Essengue should be Portland’s top options
Bryant offers a needed 3-and-D skillset, something Portland lacks after two straight years of poor three-point shooting. Essengue arguably brings more upside with his frame, rapid development, and status as the draft’s second-youngest prospect.
The Blazers need both shooting and long-term potential. If they have to choose, Essengue may be the smarter bet — as shooting is easier to add or develop than star upside.
If either is on the board at No. 11, Portland should be thrilled. Both fit perfectly alongside Simons in a reshaped rotation.
SOURCE: RipCityProject
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