Blazers select Anfernee Simons with No. 24 pick
With the No. 24 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected guard Anfernee Simons out of IMG Academy.
Despite playing last season at the high school level, Simons is eligible for the draft because he had already graduated from Edgewater High School before enrolling in prep school last year. His route is essentially the same as the one Thon Maker took in 2016.
Simons was a late bloomer in the national ranks in high school but is now a solid combo-guard option that excels at creating off the bounce. He'll need to get much stronger to play at the NBA level and improve his defense drastically. He certainly won't be ready to contribute right away, but he could provide some solid upside for a patient team.
Anfernee Simons Bio
Position: SG
School: IMG Academy (Prep school)
College Experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 225 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Body fat: 5.9 percent
What the analysts are saying
- "Bouncy athlete capable of finishing ferocious dunks; possesses the fluidity and agility to change directions on a dime."
- Kevin O'Conner, The Ringer - "Body is still a long way from being NBA-ready. Although his weaknesses can improve, he's behind when comparing him to other draft-eligible prospects." - NBADraft.net