JJ Redick and Tommy Alter interview Anfernee Simons, a Portland Trail Blazers star in the NBA. They discuss Simons' experience as the only American player to go straight from high school to the pros, learning from Damian Lillard, developing a clutch mentality, and his favorite 'Dame Time' moments. They also talk about the challenges of facing difficult defenses and the importance of being crafty for smaller players. Overall, an entertaining and insightful conversation with an up-and-coming NBA talent.
Damian Lillard's mentorship played a significant role in Anfernee Simons' career, teaching him the importance of humility and strategic approach to the game.
Anfernee Simons observed and learned from Damian Lillard's approach to the game, including studying the opponent's defense, recognizing match-ups, and executing under pressure.
Anfernee Simons' growth as a player involved adapting to the changing NBA landscape, focusing on more efficient scoring opportunities and enhancing decision-making skills.
Deep dives
The Influence of Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard's presence and mentorship played a significant role in Anthony Simon's career. Lillard saw potential and believed in Simon's abilities from their first meeting during Simon's draft workout. Lillard provided advice and guidance on and off the court, teaching Simon the importance of humility and how to approach the game strategically. Lillard's own work ethic and consistent performances inspired Simon to work harder and develop his skills.
Learning and Growth in the NBA
Simon's early years in the NBA were a steep learning curve. He had to adjust to the physicality of the game and refine his shot selection. Observing and studying teammate Lillard, Simon absorbed important lessons about observing the opponent's defense, recognizing match-ups, and finding opportunities to exploit them. Over time, Simon's confidence grew, especially in clutch situations, where he closely observed Lillard's ability to execute under pressure.
Embracing the Game and Simplifying his Style
Simon's development as a player involved embracing the complexity of the game and then simplifying his approach. He recognized the need to adapt to the changing nature of the NBA, shifting away from mid-range shots and focusing on more efficient scoring opportunities, such as three-pointers and layups. Simon's training with Phil Beckner, Lillard's trainer, played a significant role in redefining his game and enhancing his decision-making skills.
The Impact of Mentoring and Confidence
Simon's growth as a player was nurtured by several sources, including Lillard's guidance, consistent training, and support from coaches and teammates. Lillard's confidence in Simon's abilities instilled belief and motivated Simon to work diligently on his skills and approaches to the game. Simon's journey demonstrates the importance of mentorship, learning from veteran players, and the impact of self-belief on a young player's development.
The Importance of Supporting Young Players
One of the main insights discussed in the podcast is the significance of veteran players actively supporting and mentoring younger players. The speakers share personal experiences of being mentored by veterans early in their careers, emphasizing how valuable it is to have secure and supportive mentors who pass on their knowledge and help young players reach their potential. They highlight the importance of vets being open and willing to help younger players find their own place in the league.
The Evolution of Player Movement and Scoring
Another key topic discussed in the podcast is how players today move and score differently compared to the past. The speakers acknowledge that athleticism and mobility have significantly improved, allowing players to move in ways that were not seen before. They also highlight the increasing emphasis on floaters as a fourth level of scoring, along with scoring at the rim, mid-range shots, and three-pointers. The conversation delves into the evolution of the game and how players need to adapt and become more versatile in their scoring abilities to succeed in the current NBA landscape.
We are incredibly excited to share this interview with Portland Trail Blazers star Anfernee Simons. Ant is such a bright young talent in the NBA and we were so impressed by his mindset. Topics include: JJ and Tommy open with Western Conference odds and the Darko Rajaković rant on the referees after the Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers game. Then Ant joins the show and opens up with a story about JJ Redick humbling him during his second year. Then Simons talks about Evan Turner as his team vet, being the only American player to go straight from high school to the pros, learning from Damian Lillard, developing a clutch mentality, his favorite "Dame Time" moments ever, what he considers to be the best scorers in the NBA and much more. Enjoy the episode!
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