History of Anfernee Simons in Timeline
Anfernee Simons is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. Notably, he was the first American player since 2005 to be drafted into the NBA directly after graduating high school, bypassing the typical college basketball route. He prepped at IMG Academy before entering the NBA draft.
June 8, 1999: Anfernee Simons Born
On June 8, 1999, Anfernee Tyrik Simons was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers.
2005: NBA Age Restriction Rules Implemented
In 2005, the NBA implemented age restriction rules, making Anfernee Simons the first American to be drafted directly from high school since this rule was enacted.
2015: Third High School Player Drafted Since 2015
Anfernee Simons was the third high school player since 2015 to be drafted into the NBA.
2015: Basketball Sex Scandal at Louisville
In 2015, the University of Louisville was involved in a basketball sex scandal, which later influenced Anfernee Simons' decision to decommit.
2017: Transferred to Montverde Academy and returned to Edgewater
In 2017, Anfernee Simons transferred to Montverde Academy, but returned to Edgewater High School after being a bench player. He also played for the United States men's national under-19 basketball team during the summer.
2017: Involvement in NCAA Corruption Scandal
In 2017, the University of Louisville was involved in the NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal, leading to Anfernee Simons decommitting from the university.
January 2018: Considered Bypassing College
In January 2018, Anfernee Simons announced that he was "most likely" going to bypass college and enter the 2018 NBA draft.
March 20, 2018: Ranked 19th Best Prospect
On March 20, 2018, ESPN ranked Anfernee Simons as the 19th-best prospect in the upcoming NBA draft.
July 2, 2018: Signed with Portland Trail Blazers
On July 2, 2018, the Portland Trail Blazers announced that they had signed Anfernee Simons.
2018: Attended IMG Academy
In 2018, Anfernee Simons attended IMG Academy in Bradenton for a postgraduate year after reclassifying in the Class of 2018.
January 21, 2019: Assigned to Agua Caliente Clippers
On January 21, 2019, Anfernee Simons was assigned to the Agua Caliente Clippers for an NBA G League assignment.
April 10, 2019: First Career Start
On April 10, 2019, Anfernee Simons had his first career start against the Sacramento Kings. He scored 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists, becoming the first Trail Blazers rookie since Lillard to score 30-plus points.
2021: NBA Slam Dunk Champion
In 2021, Anfernee Simons was named the 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Champion, despite failing to kiss the rim during his final dunk attempt.
January 3, 2022: Career-High 43 Points
On January 3, 2022, Anfernee Simons scored a then career-high 43 points with nine three-pointers in a win over the Atlanta Hawks, dedicating the game to his grandfather.
July 6, 2022: Re-signed with Trail Blazers
On July 6, 2022, Anfernee Simons re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on a four-year, $100 million contract.
February 3, 2023: 33 Points in Comeback Win
On February 3, 2023, Anfernee Simons scored 33 points in a 124–116 comeback win over the Washington Wizards.
October 25, 2023: Suffered Torn UCL
On October 25, 2023, Anfernee Simons suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb against the Los Angeles Clippers and was ruled out for four to six weeks.
December 19, 2024: Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater
On December 19, 2024, Anfernee Simons had a double-double and hit the game-winning buzzer-beater against the Denver Nuggets.
