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Fansided

Anfernee Simons looked like the complete package in Summer League

By Nate Mann

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Trey Davis #48 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against Anfernee Simons #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 15, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Trey Davis #48 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against Anfernee Simons #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 15, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – June 25: General Manager Neil Olshey of the Portland Trails Blazer introduces first round draft pick Anfernee Simons #24 to the local media on June 25, 2018 at the Trail Blazer Practice Facility in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – June 25: General Manager Neil Olshey of the Portland Trails Blazer introduces first round draft pick Anfernee Simons #24 to the local media on June 25, 2018 at the Trail Blazer Practice Facility in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Playing against a much higher level of competition, Anfernee Simons was comfortable and contributed to the Blazers championship run immensely.

Anfernee Simons is one of few non-foreign prospects to avoid playing at the NCAA level. After Simons committed to Louisville, Rick Pitino underwent a FBI investigation for allegedly bribing high school athletes with money from Adidas.

Wanting no part of the investigation and Pitino’s firing, Simons elected to play one more year at IMG Academy. He still declared for the draft at the season’s close.

The Blazers gave Simons two pre-draft workouts, the only prospect to receive such treatment. As expected, Neil Olshey used his lone first round draft pick on the IMG Academy athlete.

Immediately, people began questioning Simons’ readiness for NBA-level competition. Most rookies have some NCAA experience under their belt, so the jump to the NBA isn’t as big. Simons, on the other hand, played a lower level of competition and will now face off with the best in the sport.

However, the rookie looked comfortable in Summer League – he knew where to go on the floor at all times and didn’t force passes or shoot bad shots. After six Summer League games and a championship medal around his neck, Simons averaged 11.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 20.0 minutes.