Anfernee Simons’ path to the 2018 NBA Draft, and thus to the Portland Trail Blazers, was an unorthodox one. The 19-year-old guard forsook the usual NCAA route in favor of a year at IMG Academy before entering the draft. In a league once defined by young prospects, Simons’ youth marks him rare and his chosen course unique. How will he stand up against more traditional competition?
The question is significant, as routes like Simons’ could become commonplace in the near future. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has flirted with the idea of ending the controversial “one-and-done” rule that prevents prospects from entering the draft directly after completing high school.