NBA Draft: Anfernee Simons – the High School Anomaly

Using a loophole in the draft process, Anfernee Simons skipped college to enter the field this year. He has more question marks than anyone coming into the League, here’s why.

Anfernee Simons is somewhat of a throwback prospect. Not necessarily in terms of his game, rather the way he’s entering the League. He’s a skinny small guard with electric athleticism, irrational confidence, and  major questions around his ability to transition from the high school game to the NBA. In other words, Simons is the exact type of prospect the NBA tried to eradicate from the draft through the infamous one-and-done rule. Are the concerns about him warranted? Is the NBA’s fear about his transition real? Let’s find out:

Background

  • Height: 6’4″
  • Weight: 183 lbs
  • Wingspan: N/A
  • Position: Guard
  • Age: 18
  • Team: IMG Academy
  • Home Town: Apopka, Florida

Strengths

Athleticism

If not for his bouncy athleticism, Simons arguably would have been un-draftable for the vast majority of teams. After all, he was in high school less than a year ago and he needs significant work in nearly every aspect of the game. Thankfully, he has athleticism in droves.

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