Celtics Face Tough Lessons in Anfernee Simons’ Rise, Predict Blazers Fans

Bassyonni

ago 37 minutes

Anfernee Simons, previously a guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, is struggling in his new role with the Boston Celtics. The transition has been marked by inconsistent performance, similar to challenges faced in Portland but now intensified.

Celtics Face Tough Lessons in Anfernee Simons’ Rise

The Celtics’ coaching staff, led by Joe Mazzulla, is grappling with Simons’ unpredictability. This uncertainty affects his minutes and role on the team. Blazers fans recognize this pattern; the Celtics find it challenging to determine which version of Simons will show up each game.

Performance Overview

Simons is currently averaging:

13.6 points per game
2.6 assists per game
2.1 rebounds per game

His shooting splits stand at 45% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 85% from the free-throw line. These stats reflect his lowest offensive output since the 2020-21 season.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Simons’ role in Boston has shifted significantly. His usage rate and minutes have decreased, a result of sharing the backcourt with Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. Despite these limitations, he has been utilized more as a catch-and-shoot specialist—a role that previously lacked in Portland.

Despite this adjustment, compatibility between Simons and the Celtics’ playing style remains limited. Discussions among analysts, including Zach Lowe and Mo Dakhil, emphasize that Simons’ on-court effectiveness has varied widely. He has experienced games with minimal contribution, raising concerns regarding his suitability in Boston.

Potential Trade Outcomes

The Celtics acquired Simons this offseason but are already contemplating trading him after just 21 games. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets have been mentioned as potential suitors for Simons. However, his expiring contract, defensive struggles, and the inconsistency of his play pose challenges for the Celtics in extracting value from any deal.

As the February trade deadline approaches, it is becoming increasingly clear that both Simons and the Celtics may benefit from parting ways. The situation serves as a hard lesson for the Celtics as they navigate the complexities of building a cohesive team.