2. Anfernee Simons, SG — IMG Academy
If there’s a true man of mystery in this year’s draft, it’s the 18-year-old kid who bypassed going to college in favor of what has been described as a “post-grad” year at IMG Academy. Thanks to his having finished high school last June and the fact that he’ll be turning 19 before the draft, Simons is eligible to be picked later this month.
Where he goes is anyone’s guess. Simmons is currently ranked ninth on ESPN‘s top 100 list of prospects, but those he’s ranked against are set to begin college in the fall. Still, it’s reasonable to expect that a team who can afford a risky play will take a shot on him as early as the middle of the first round. It’s also possible he’s still there when Orlando picks at 35, as Simons is as raw as any player in the draft and there’s no promise he makes good on his bevy of untapped potential.
At the combine, Simons measured well — only two players had a higher max vertical, and his 6’9.25″ wingspan is solid considering he measured at 6’2.25″ without shoes — but he also didn’t participate in scrimmages, only adding to the air of mystery.
While the Magic wouldn’t have a clear idea of exactly what they were getting, if Simons is still there at No. 35, he’d be too tempting to let slide by.