The Golden State Warriors showed interested in Anfernee Simons as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but instead chose to prioritize a reunion with De'Anthony Melton on the taxpayer mid-level exception.
There will subsequently be a watch on how both shooting guards perform this season, and now even more so after Simons was ranked above Melton on a recent positional ranking.
Warriors' Anfernee Simons decision takes another hit before season begins
Golden State also passed on Simons to retain flexibility in their pursuit of LeBron James, only for the superstar forward to wind up joining Simons on a new look Philadelphia 76ers roster that's surged into championship contention.
Beyond the disappointment of James' decision, the Warriors have also been criticized by some for focusing on bringing Melton back rather than going hard for an offensive-minded guard in Simons. That decision has taken another hit through shooting guard rankings from HoopsHype's Frank Urbina, with Simons making the list at 27 while Melton was completely absent and didn't even draw an honorable mention.
"Now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Simons’ job will be more in line with what he was asked to do in Boston, which was come off the bench and make an impact with his shooting and overall scoring," Urbina wrote.
The Warriors ranked 19th in offense last season and will be without star forward Jimmy Butler for half the season, making their decision to bypass Simons a controversial one that they could come to quickly regret. At the same time, Simons could also regret joining a now stacked Philadelphia team where he'll be stuck in a bench role and as the sixth offensive option at best, as opposed to the opportunity of having a primary role with Golden State.
Warriors need a lift from De'Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski
Simons has been ranked ahead of both Melton and Brandin Podziemski entering the season, the latter of which garnered an honorable mention from Urbina. Needless to say that if Simons is considered a better two-guard than both Podziemski and Melton by season's end, the Warriors will be in trouble and unlikely to be a playoff team.
There's still a debate and watch on who of Podziemski and Melton will start for Golden State on opening night against the Los Angeles Lakers. The latter's fit with Stephen Curry -- which was a primary reason for prioritizing him over Simons -- would suggest he's a genuine chance of winning the role over the fourth-year guard.
Regardless of the starting situation, the Warriors need a big lift from one or ideally both players who will each be additionally motivated as they look for big pay days from their current contract.
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