The Trail Blazers have spent more time than they’re accustomed to without the likes of star guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum on the court this season, but this most recent stretch without Lillard and McCollum has shed light on the development of two potential stars-in-the-making in Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little.
Simons has averaged 27.8 points and 7.6 assists on 51.1 FG% and 44.6 3P% in a starting role over his last five outings. While Nassir Little hasn’t stuffed the stat sheet offensively in quite the same way, he’s been tasked with guarding the other team’s best player most nights and answered that call beautifully.