Anfernee Simons admitted it’s been a nightly transition going from the Blazers to the Celtics. That’s natural since Simons was the primary ball-handler in Portland, whereas Boston already has an established hierarchy.
Regardless of his role, at his best, Simons can explode for a huge scoring night — and he showed that as the Celtics beat the Pelicans on Monday. Simons poured in 25 points off the bench as the C’s pulled away to win their first game of the season.
“It’s been for sure a transition, but I’ve been enjoying it,” Simons told reporters in New Orleans, via CLNS Media. “Just asking a different side of me. I’ve been trying to, each and every day, improve on things I need to improve on to help the team win. It’s been fun, for sure, learning from each and every game. Applying to the next game, seeing what you can do better. Maybe be more aggressive.”
Simons lived life at the top of the scouting report in Portland, where teams game-planned to get the ball out of his hands. It’s why he’s been an established scorer and starter in the league. However, with the Celtics, Simons has accepted his bench role where he’s looked to blend his scoring output and aggressiveness.
With the Blazers, he could be patient since the ball was in his hands consistently. But with the Celtics, they have Payton Pritchard and Derrick White often leading the show, along with some Jaylen Brown in the mix. Depending on the lineup, Simons won’t have the ball in his hands like he did in Portland. That’s where Simons said he’s trying to maximize what he can bring to the court.
“You got all the guys that have the ball in their hands, make plays,” Simons said. “You kind of have to find your rhythm within that, and also continue to be yourself and find your way in what we’re trying to do. So it’s been fun looking at the film each and every game and adjust and see where I can be more aggressive.”
One area that’s been clear, though, is Simons’ willingness to accept a different role. Starting from Day 1 of training camp, Simons stressed he wants to be known as a winning player. That’s also where he’ll need to be a better defender. Through four games, he’s shown flashes of more effort on that end of the court.
The future is uncertain for Simons since he’s a likely trade chip for Boston, plus it’s a contract year for the guard. But while he’s with the Celtics, all he’s done is talk about wanting to help the team win. He did just that as he was an important part of the Celtics downing the Pelicans to improve to 1-3.
“He’s just a graceful guy and he just wants to win and he wants to be a part of something,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “So you just have to balance that. But you kind of saw tonight obviously what he’s been able to do in this league for a long time. It’s on me to make sure that he feels comfortable. It’s on his teammates to get the best version of him like we did tonight.”
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