NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Anfernee Simons

Weaknesses

Unsurprisingly for a player who will have only recently turned 19 when draft night rolls around, Simons has a lot of growing up and maturing to do.

There’s a lot to like about the young Floridian’s game. In truth, there aren’t any areas of his game that don’t provide at least a glimmer of hope or potential. There are no obvious voids, but instead lots of areas where that potential is incredibly raw and in need of being nourished.

Part of the reason for that is most of Simons’ weaknesses can come back to a need for him to mature either physically or mentally.

Simons has great lateral quickness and shows signs of being a plus-defender when locked in, but could use the kind of improved awareness that only comes with high level experience, and the kind of physicality that will only come from with work with a professional strength and conditioning team.

Much the same applies on the offensive end, a smooth mover, capable passer and confident finisher, adding bulk may help him to go stronger toward the rim on drives to the paint, and continuing to learn the game will only benefit his questionable shot selection and occasionally misguided passing.

Getting stronger physically and both sharper and faster mentally could unlock an incredibly useful player, but that may be too much to ask and at a minimum it will take some time.