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NBA Draft: Anfernee Simons – the wild card

By Tamberlyn Richardson

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) shoots the ball during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) shoots the ball during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft - Anfernee Simons
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) looks for an opening during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Skills:

Understandably the pundits have varying views on where the youngster should be drafted. Without a year of organized college coaching and growth we’re left to wonder how successful private tutorship has been. Reports so far indicate the ascent has been rapid and that Simons displays a high basketball I.Q.

Of his assets his athleticism is earmarked near the top. Possessing a coveted combination of fluidity mixed with quickness leads to multiple benefits. First of all, the quickness aids in his rebounding (solid for his position) and ability to create steals.

The same attributes allow him to glide in transition to finish above the rim or effectively change directions via drives. Based on this latter move it affords Simons the opportunity to create space for a pull up jumper of which he”s surprisingly effective.

Simons perimeter shooting is above par, but yet to be tested. Suffice to say he’s ahead of the curve because he has offensive versatility. Again, he’s a bit of an unknown, but the signs point to the potential to become a 3 and D specialist.

Weaknesses:

While the Florida native’s age is an asset for teams who want to develop him in their system his inexperience, initially at least, will also serve as a his greatest deterrent. Albeit all rookies have a learning curve, but Simons is behind virtually everyone in his draft class.

For all his pluses offensively his slight frame will reek havoc with his efficiency as stronger, heavier opponents await at the pro level. He already has a propensity to back aware from contact in the paint, so the expectation is this bad habit will increase facing pros.

As a combo guard it would behoove him to work on his ball handling and playmaking skills. He arrives with a sub standard assist rate and inconsistency in creating for others.

If Simons is lucky he’ll be drafted by a team with a solid development program. Prior to training camp the combo guard needs to hit he gym, run copious dribbling and passing drills and spend as much time as possible in the film room.

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