Clemson junior Aamir Simms, team’s leading scorer, declares for NBA draft
Clemson forward Aamir Simms finally put a complete season together in 2019-20, leading the Tigers in points, rebounds, assists and blocks.
Now the junior could be moving on.
Simms has declared for the 2020 NBA draft, he announced Tuesday night on Twitter. The Virginia native will not hire an agent, giving Simms the option to return to school down the road if he would like to.
Simms averaged 13 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.8 blocks per game in 2019-20. He was named third-team All-ACC.
“First, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to do what I love every day in front of my Clemson Family. Ever since I was welcomed into the Clemson Family, I have grown tremendously as a player and as a man and the lessons I’ve learned in my time here have prepared me for this opportunity!” Simms posted on Twitter. “With that being said I will be entering my name in the 2020 NBA draft while maintaining my eligibility. Thank you Tiger Nation for making this dream come true.”
Simms is not currently listed as one of the top 100 NBA draft prospects by ESPN, and he also does not appear in NBA mock drafts online.
However, his versatility could make him appealing to professional teams should he opt to stay in the draft. Simms is listed at 6-foot-8 1/2, shot 40 percent from 3-point range this season and uses his athleticism to haul in rebounds.
Simms has until June 3 to decide whether to stay in the draft or withdraw his name and return to school.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 7:56 PM with the headline "Clemson junior Aamir Simms, team’s leading scorer, declares for NBA draft."
