This partnership could grow Simons’ game to benefit Boston now, and preserve flexibility for the future.
So far, most of the conversation around Anfernee Simons has framed him as a trade chip more than a basketball fit.
This is reasonable, considering the roster is still in flux, along with the fact that they haven’t even held an introductory press conference to mark his arrival. But as the summer drags on with no breaking news, it’s worth taking a step back and evaluating how this could become a mutually beneficial partnership.
Simons has spent his entire career in Portland, a team with little recent playoff success. While the Celtics are not a contender as currently constructed, they’ll be Simons’ first real look at a championship organization.
Out of necessity, the Blazers gave Simons the ball, and a ton of leeway to create his own offense. Boston will benefit from his creation ability, but the ballhandling of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard allows Simons to tap into different strengths with less on-ball responsibility.
Simons is a gifted scorer, but not suited to be a primary offensive engine. Not having to be the #1 priority on the scouting report should really work in Simons’ favor. For the Celtics, Simons offers a welcome blend of on-ball juice and off-ball gravity. He’s someone who can create a shot late in the clock, or attack mismatches when opposing defenses are stretched thin. If Joe Mazzulla wants to stagger Brown and White effectively this season, Simons becomes even more important as a bridge between lineups. And if his catch-and-shoot numbers hold up in a lower-usage role, he could become a very intriguing offensive weapon.
After spending five seasons under the guidance of Damian Lillard, he hasn’t had a true running mate in Portland that could consistently take the pressure off of him.
His time alongside Lillard remains the clearest blueprint for how Simons might thrive next to another scoring star.
He’s a fearless shot-taker with a lightning-fast release, which makes him perfectly qualified to thrive on the advantages created by others. Like Lillard, Brown and White draw a lot of eyes on their drives. In a game about margins, this will buy Simons a few more inches of space than he’s had in a while.
In the ‘21–’22 season, Simons played extended minutes alongside Lillard and CJ McCollum—two creators who drew constant attention. In that role, he led the league in catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage (47.8%, min. 2 attempts).
With respect to Dame and CJ, Brown and White offer a considerably more balanced support system. They’re still capable of drawing doubles and bending defenses, but they also give Simons the luxury of playing alongside stronger perimeter defenders.
Simons’ defense has been a weak point throughout his career, and it’s unlikely he becomes a difference-maker on that end. But in a reduced role alongside two-way players, he could stay more engaged and limit his exposure.
That same structure could also support further growth on offense. Aside from just spot-up opportunities, there’s room to grow attacking closeouts. Simons has a skillset that is tailor-made for punishing defenses in scramble mode, and with the Celtics, more advantages will be created for him.
In those early days, Simons was still finding his footing in the league as a gifted scorer learning to operate in the gaps of a star-driven offense. Now, he returns to a similar setup with far more polish and the added perspective that comes from having run the show himself. With that experience behind him, he’s better equipped to take advantage of the openings others create, instead of being solely responsible for generating them.
When Brown drives or has a mismatch in the post, Simons will be able to start his three-level attack with the upper hand–instead of making one for himself–when the ball swings his way.
That kind of ball movement, anchored by players like White, rewards guys who can make quick decisions in space, and Simons could be devastating in those moments.
It’s likely Brad Stevens will keep taking calls on Simons. That’s just the nature of asset management. But letting him play out the first few months in Boston could be worthwhile. Whether he’s part of the long-term plan or not, giving him a chance to contribute in a more balanced role raises both his on-court value and overall trade appeal.
Using Simons more off the ball is also a natural way to reduce his offensive burden and highlight a scalable skill set that fits winning basketball. As an upcoming free agent, that kind of shift in perception could matter to decision-makers just as much as his box score numbers.
Of course, the goal isn’t to turn a dynamic scorer into a floor spacer. Simons has been one of the league’s more consistent high-volume pick-and-roll guards in recent seasons, and that part of his game should translate well in Boston. Mazzulla and the staff will still count on his self-creation and pull-up shooting, but the surrounding talent allows him to pick his spots more selectively.
For a player looking to prove he can contribute to a contender, and a team navigating a transition year, this could be a short-term fit that evolves into something more meaningful for both sides.