The Portland Trail Blazers were dealt a huge blow last night when guard Anfernee Simons had to be helped off the court with an apparent ankle injury. This has left fans wondering what the prognosis is and how long he’ll be out for. Here, we’ve rounded up the latest news on Simons’ injury so you can stay informed and up-to-date on his status.
Introduction to Anfernee Simons Injury Update
Anfernee Simons is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season of college basketball for the University of Louisville before declaring for the 2018 NBA draft, where he was selected 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Simons missed most of his rookie season with an ankle injury, but he played well when he was on the court. He averaged 9.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in limited action. Unfortunately, Simons suffered another ankle injury during summer league play and he is currently sidelined indefinitely.
The Blazers have not released many details about Simons’ latest injury, but we do know that he will be out for at least a few weeks. This is a frustrating development for both Simons and the Blazers, as they were hoping that he would be a key part of their rotation this season.
We will continue to update this post as more information becomes available about Simons’ injury status. In the meantime, we hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Happened To Anfernee Simons?
Anfernee Simons was a highly touted prospect coming into the 2018 NBA Draft. He was drafted 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. He played one year of college basketball at the University of Louisville.
Simons entered his name in the 2018 NBA Draft, forgoing his final three years of collegiate eligibility. He was drafted 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
On July 5, 2018, it was announced that Simons had signed his rookie scale contract with the Blazers.
Simons made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018, against the Los Angeles Lakers. In garbage time of a blowout loss, he recorded four points and one rebound in four minutes of play.
On January 18, 2019, Simons scored a then career-high 23 points in a 115–112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Three days later, he had 22 points and six assists in a 118–103 win over the Sacramento Kings.
On March 11, 2019, Simons scored 31 points off the bench in a 127–120 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls. This marked new career highs for both points and minutes played (37).
On April 9, 2019, it was announced that Simons would miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury suffered on April 7 against the Indiana Pacers. An MRI later revealed that he had suffered a Grade 2 lateral ankle sprain and would require 4-6 weeks to recover.
What are the Possible Diagnosis and Treatment Plans?
It is still unclear what exactly is wrong with Anfernee Simons, but there are a few possible diagnoses and treatment plans that have been discussed by medical experts. The most likely diagnosis seems to be a left ankle sprain, which can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, some experts have also suggested that Simons could be dealing with a more serious injury, such as a torn Achilles tendon. If this is the case, surgery would be required to repair the tendon. Recovery from Achilles surgery can take up to 6 months or longer, so it is still unknown if Simons will be able to return to action this season.
The Impact of Anfernee Simon’s Absence on the Team
As the Portland Trail Blazers continue their push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, they will have to do so without Anfernee Simons. The second-year guard suffered a right ankle injury in the team’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night and is expected to miss at least two weeks.
Simons has been a key contributor for the Blazers this season, averaging 10.2 points and 2.8 assists in 22.9 minutes per game. His absence will be felt on both ends of the court, as he has been one of Portland’s best perimeter defenders and an efficient scorer on offense.
The Blazers have depth at guard with CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard leading the way, but Simons’ absence will still be felt. Portland will need to find someone to fill his minutes and provide a spark off the bench, something that may prove difficult given Simons’ unique skill set.
How Can Fans Support Anfernee Simons During His Recovery?
When it comes to NBA players, Anfernee Simons is still somewhat of a mystery. The young player was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2018 but didn’t see much playing time during his rookie season. In fact, he only played in seven games and averaged less than 10 minutes per game.
However, there is no doubt that Simons has potential. He was considered a top prospect coming out of high school and some even compared him to LeBron James. So when news broke that Simons had suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle, fans were understandably concerned.
The good news is that Simons is expected to make a full recovery and should be back to 100% by the start of next season. In the meantime, here are some ways fans can support him during his recovery:
- Send him positive messages on social media
- Purchase merchandise from his website
- Donate to his chosen charity
- Watch old highlights of him online