Fantasy Basketball Breakouts, Busts, and Locks - Portland Trail Blazers

October 20, 2023

Lance Roberson looks at one fantasy basketball breakout, bust and lock from the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2023-24 NBA season.

Fantasy Basketball Breakouts, Busts, and Locks is a fantasy basketball exercise in which RotoBaller NBA analysts dissect each NBA team's emerging talent, overrated players, and steady contributors. As the fantasy basketball season demands extreme detail and attention, taking the time to identify game-breakers and game-changers in the NBA makes the difference between winning or losing your league. Thankfully, RotoBaller is here to help in that regard.

Finally past the infamous summer of Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers will now focus on rebuilding around rookie Scoot Henderson. With a roster mix of unproven prospects and dependable role players, the recently blown-up roster has some intriguing fantasy pieces.

Now, let's see who the breakout, bust, and lock picks are for the 2023-2024 Trail Blazers.

Portland Trail Blazers Fantasy Breakout - Anfernee Simons

No longer an afterthought of the Dame Time performances, Anfernee Simons has a neon green light to contribute offensively. Despite Henderson's presence, Simons' shooting keeps him relevant in the growth of the 2023 second-overall pick. Expect Simons' minutes and usage to increase as Henderson acclimates to the NBA.

Anfernee Simons has 18 PTS in 1Q 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CYrikgLjlL

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 15, 2023

While the 6'3 guard averaged an impressive 30.9 fantasy points last season, Simons has the offensive skills to improve in such a department. Despite wins and losses in Portland, Simons will satisfy fantasy team managers.

Portland Trail Blazers Fantasy Bust -Matisse Thybulle

Matisse Thybulle is a decent NBA player. However, as the Trail Blazers embark on a journey void of veteran play-making guards, Thybulle appears as the odd man out of the equation. In his six-year career, 98.45 percent of Thybulle's three-point baskets came assisted. Without the likes of Lillard or Ben Simmons, how will Thybulle's offense fare? He was never a fantasy darling, but he showed promise with improved three-point shooting and a knack for making plays on defense.

However, there is a strong chance that the three-and-d wing will experience a drastic decline in offense with the personnel surrounding him.

Portland Trail Blazers Fantasy Lock - Deandre Ayton

Despite all the criticism of DeAndre Ayton for the past two seasons, the Bahama-born center doesn't disappoint in fantasy basketball. Last season, in an offense in which he placed fourth in emphasis, Ayton managed a whopping 34.3 fantasy points per contest. Now, on a team where winning isn't the main objective and put on a smaller stage, Ayton can focus on simply playing basketball.

Deandre Ayton attacking on the short roll? I am intrigued. pic.twitter.com/JQEdqrWGTe

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) October 13, 2023

Although Henderson is the future of Blazers basketball, Ayton is the most complete player on a roster rich with young and unproven players. Don't appear shocked if Ayton averages 20 points and 10 rebounds for the 2023-2024 season.

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