Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for pick No. 19 in 2018 NBA Draft

5. Anfernee Simons

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 183 lbs
• Age: 18
• Position: SG

Coming out of high school, Anfernee Simons was a top recruit but reclassified in his recruiting class to be eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft. He is a very athletic guard who can handle the ball and has the physical tools to be an excellent defender in the NBA. The Ringer labeled him as an “athlete who excites with his dunks and fluidity, but he must work out kinks in his shot to maximize his potential.”

According to MaxPreps, in 50 total high school games for Simons, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from the 3-point line.

Simons is one of the youngest players in this draft class, has a ton of upside and could have tremendous value for the Hawks at No. 19. The Hawks lack guards and Simons could play both point guard and shooting guard for them. He needs to develop his shot more, but his defensive skills and athleticism could allow him to see some early playing time.

The Ringer compared Simons to Darren Collison, D’Angelo Russell and “a large Lou Williams.” All three guys are meaningful for their teams and are solid NBA players who show flashes of All-Star potential. If Simons can develop his game like one of those guys, the Hawks could be getting a steal at No. 19.