Anfernee Simons Is Still Finding His Footing in New Role

There’s no question that a lot has been asked of Anfernee Simons this year.

In the offseason, Simons was traded from the Blazers to the Celtics in a move for two-time champion Jrue Holiday. Portland, which was Simons’ home for the first seven years of his NBA career, is now an opponent, and yet another team to conquer.

The cross-country move from Oregon to Boston was not the only change for the 26-year-old. As a Celtic, Simons has seen a diminished role than what he was used to.

While in Rip City, after the departure of Damian Lillard, Portland handed him the keys to the offense. He was the No. 1 option. He was the centerpiece. He was the guy.

Now, not so much.

Since donning the clover green, the former 2018 first-round pick is averaging his lowest number of minutes since the 2020-21 season (24.9). His current average of 14.4 points per game, a far cry from his nearly 23 points a game just two years ago, is also his lowest since 2020-21.

Yet perhaps the biggest difference for Simons this year is that he has come off the bench every single game this season.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff have made it clear they see Simons as their sixth man. This stark contrast in responsibility has proven to be something that Simons is still trying to adjust his game to.

Feast or Famine

It’s not fair to say that the IMG Academy product has been playing bad. To put it accurately, Simons has played very inconsistent. He’s shown flashes of being a weapon for Boston, like when he poured in 25 points on 53% shooting for the Celtics first season win against New Orleans.

However, when Simons has been off, he is off. Just days after his 25 point outing, he would go on to shoot 35% from the floor over his next five games. Not to mention, he is a liability on defense for a defensive-minded team. Simons currently boasts a 119.0 defensive rating, the worst on the Celtics.

This combination of streaky offensive play and consistent subpar defensive performances are why Simons’ minutes have fluctuated so much. Simply put, if he’s not scoring, the Celtics cannot afford to have Simons on the floor for prolonged periods.

Anfernee Simons Trade Whispers

While Anfernee Simons’ Celtics career is no doubt in its infancy, analysts and insiders believe an eventual trade is inevitable.

Brad Botkin of CBS sports has linked the sixth-man to a potential trade with Houston, in light of Rocket guard Fred VanVleet‘s season ending ACL tear.

Additionally, rumors of a possible deal with the Brooklyn Nets have been looming, involving Simons and Nets center Nic Claxton. Outlets were already reporting in August that the two teams were having discussions involving the Celtics guard. This would allow Boston to ditch the $27 million Simons is owed this year.

Regardless of Simons’ role and future with the team, he has made it clear he has one priority: win.

“We want to win and I want to win…I want to contribute to winning at the highest level. And so whatever, how that looks, I’m fine with,” Simons said before the season started.

Whether it’s on the bench or on the court, Celtics fans can count on Simons putting the team before himself.

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