2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
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Simons is spending a post-graduate season at IMG Academy, meaning he can skip college altogether and make the jump to NBA basketball. That means he’s earlier in his development than most prospects, but a team like the Spurs can afford to take that gamble.

Still underveloped physically, defense is going to be Simons’ primary concern early on. He has the length and athleticism to be a quality two-way player long term, but his lack of strength is going to hurt him in his first few seasons.

Offensively, Simons has some serious shot-making chops. He has all the makings of a dangerous isolation scorer, boasting smooth handles, a fluid pull-up, and quick-twitch athleticism. He’s an effortless scorer whose perimeter shot projects well, so expect the Spurs to unlock something scary after a few years with this kid.