Anfernee Simons
A natural, fluid athlete, Anfernee Simons took an interesting path to make it to the NBA.
Simons eschewed the college circuit, instead opting to join IMG Academy, a private boarding school that focuses on individuals who are looking to join the world of professional sports.
At the NBA Draft Combine as well as various pre-draft workouts, Simons has shown quick-twitch athleticism as well as latent scoring ability that should play up in the modern NBA.
In Vegas at @impactbball watching IMG's Anfernee Simons work out. Effortless athlete with positional length and impressive scoring instincts. Still at an early stage of development but a big-time talent who glides to the rim and can really shoot it off the bounce. pic.twitter.com/qBlBUzrBKu
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 31, 2018
Though he still has plenty of room for growth and added muscle on his 6-foot-3, 183-pound frame, Simons would fill a need for the Atlanta Hawks if (or when) current starting point guard Dennis Schröder departs the team.
Simons could simultaneously develop his body and game while serving as the future focal point of Atlanta’s offense from the backcourt
Right now, however, it is unlikely that Simons would be able to come in and immediately take the keys to the offense, as he has been labeled as more of a two guard or combo guard in this class, as his playmaking and passing ability still needs work.
Still though, Simons is seemingly underrated due to his lack of college experience, which should not impact the Hawks decision-making process, as they need talent first and foremost with little though to fit or how long it will take to develop the player. Rebuilding gives you a little freedom on that front.