NBA Draft 2018: Mock Draft 9.0

2018 NBA Mock Draft 9.0

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 21: Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) during the a college basketball game between Connecticut Huskies and Arizona Wildcats on December 21, 2017, at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. Arizona leads at half over Connecticut 30-24. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

An enigma of sorts, Simons is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He’s making the leap from high school to the NBA, which is inherently difficult. He was also a top-10 recruit in the 2019 class before declaring, presenting one of the highest ceilings outside the lottery discussion.

The question is whether or not he can reach that ceiling. With a thin frame and questionable instincts, Simons is years away from producing consistently in the NBA. He’s a talented shot-maker who poses a threat from all over the floor, but it will take time for him to put the pieces together.

With that said, his upside could be worth a late first-round pick. He reportedly canceled a workout with the Grizzlies to audition for Portland a second time. As Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have their future called into question, the Blazers may look for an understudy.