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Memphis Grizzlies Showing Late-Round Interest?

By Christian Dudley

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 14: IMG Academy Ascenders guard Anfernee Simons (3) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between the Vermont Academy Wildcats and the IMG Academy Post Grad Ascenders on January 14, 2018, at the Blake Arena in Springfield, MA .(Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of many NBA teams showing in Anfernee Simons, the latest high school sensation.

Adam Zagoria of The New York Times Sports reported on May 10th that a large number of NBA teams have shown early interest in 18-year-old point guard Anfernee Simons. The specific list of teams includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

Unfamiliar with Anfernee Simons?

Simons is the first high schooler to place his name in the NBA Draft pool since 2005. He was able to declare for the Draft since he turns 19 in the early portion of June and has been out of high school for one year (attending prep school IMG Academy).

The 2005 NBA Draft featured Martell Webster (6th pick), Andrew Bynum (10th pick), Gerald Green (18th pick), C.J. Miles (34th pick), Ricky Sanchez (35th pick), Monta Ellis (40th pick), Andray Blatche (49th), and Amir Johnson (56th) — all of which took a leap of faith from high school to the big league.

One would have to think that the Grizzlies are only showing premature interest in order to stash the selection. A late-first round or second round choice of Simons is a rather low-risk move that could majorly pay off in a couple years. Remember, he is only 18 years old and is a top talent amongst his peers.

On the other hand, Simons may quickly become the next Monta Ellis. Or find long-term success similar to C.J. Miles. Or perhaps be a solid long-term role player almost like Amir Johnson.

Odds are going to be against Anfernee Simons, but his confidence is something scouts and front offices must admire. He could be a young diamond in the rough that may or may not need several years to develop.

For now, it is just an inquiry by the Memphis Grizzlies. Depending upon workouts and interviews over the next month, their interest in Simons may increase. It will certainly be something to watch, especially on Draft Night. If the high school phenom slides into the second round, he could be a steal of a deal.

Why not stash him with the Memphis Hustle? As long as the Grizzlies select an immediate contributor in the first round, they can gamble a little more with their second round selection. It would also not be surprising to see the franchise obtain an extra pick, a la 2017.

The first name “Anfernee” has done pretty well in Memphis, so it may be a wise decision for the Grizzlies to roll the dice here.

Go Grizz! 

Next: Will the Memphis Grizzlies let another star walk on Draft Night?

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