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Boston Celtics trade acquisition shows best skill in Raptors loss

Anfernee Simons admitted there were nerves as he started the Celtics’ preseason game against the Raptors. Sure, he’s an NBA veteran, entering his eighth season.

But this is the first-time ever he’s been with a new team after spending the first seven years of his career with the Trail Blazers. So, yes, he admitted there were some nerves. It looked like it, too, as Simons picked up three quick fouls in his first five minutes on the court.

Eventually, Simons settled in throughout the second half, showing off his best skill: scoring. Even though there were some struggles, Simons finished Friday’s loss to the Raptors with 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting, including a 2-for-7 day on 3-pointers.

“Usually, first half, I feel out the defense a little bit more,” Simons told reporters in Toronto, via CLNS Media. “That’s how I was taught to play the game. But it’s going to vary. Obviously it’s a different role on this team, so it’s going to change game-to-game. At first, I was just trying to feel out the game, get over these fouls and a little bit of the nerves.”

Simons showed some of his craftiness Friday on his way to buckets. The playmaking didn’t look as smooth, but that’s part of learning to play with new teammates. Plus, the Celtics weren’t exactly at full strength as they rested multiple rotation players. After the slow start, Simons did most of his damage in the third quarter, putting up 10 of his 18 points in the frame.

There are still questions on how Simons fits on this Celtics roster going forward. There’s no denying he’s a talented scorer after spending years with the Blazers being near or at the top of the scouting report. The C’s brass has consistently pointed out how nice he is as a scorer, averaging 19.9 points per game in the last four seasons.

But it’s how he fits defensively that’s the major point as has been the case during his career. Simons didn’t exactly quell some of those defensive concerns in Friday’s loss, though that’ll be a season-long process. His role is still unclear, as well, but he said he won’t be hung up on if he starts or not with the Celtics.

Simons has reportedly been in trade rumors for a C’s team looking to further cut payroll. But for now, he’s willingly been all-in about joining a team with a winning culture. So, as Simons enters a contract year, he’ll also look to adjust to playing Celtics basketball throughout the season.

“It’s going to be game-to-game,” Simons said. “You’re playing with a lot of great players. It’s going to be just an adjustment period, game-to-game. Obviously, I want them to tell me to be myself. But obviously, the game changes and what the team needs from me on certain nights. So I’m just figuring that out.”

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