Anfernee Simons and the Celtics: A Fit That’s Still Taking Shape
In Boston, where expectations run high and every roster move is measured against championship potential, Anfernee Simons is still something of a question mark. Not because he hasn’t shown flashes - he has - but because the Celtics are still figuring out how he fits into a team with legitimate title aspirations.
Brad Stevens, the Celtics' president of basketball operations, recently offered a glimpse into how the organization views Simons’ transition to Boston. And while Stevens didn’t tip his hand on what the future holds, his comments made one thing clear: Simons is doing the right things behind the scenes.
"Yeah, I think he's really trying," Stevens said. "He's a quiet guy, but just a super person, and so he's really come in with a great mindset: 'I'm going to help the team any way I can.'
And offensively, he knows he's capable of going nuts in any given game. But then defensively, I've just been really impressed.
Like, he's picked up, he's made it hard. I think he's made great strides in the months he's been here on that end.
And I'm a big fan. I like him a lot."
That’s not just lip service. For a player known more for his scoring than his defense, hearing Stevens praise his effort and growth on the less glamorous end speaks volumes.
Boston has built its identity on defensive toughness and versatility. If Simons is buying in on that side of the ball, it gives him a real shot to earn a long-term role - or at least extend his stay beyond this season.
The Case for Keeping Simons
At 26, Simons is in his athletic prime and playing on an expiring $27.7 million contract. That’s no small chunk of change, but it also gives the Celtics a clean evaluation window.
Let him finish out the season, see how he meshes with the core, and reassess in the summer. That’s the logical path if Boston wants to see if he can grow into the sixth-man role - a spot that could be pivotal in a deep playoff run.
In Portland, Simons was the go-to scorer, averaging north of 20 points per game over the past two seasons. In Boston, he doesn’t need to carry that kind of load. But if he can be a microwave scorer off the bench, a guy who gives the offense a jolt when the starters rest, that’s a valuable weapon - especially for a team with championship-level depth.
And then there’s the intangible stuff. By all accounts, Simons has embraced the Celtics’ culture.
He’s not just trying to fit in - he’s putting in the work to belong. That matters in a locker room built around accountability and cohesion.
The Case for Moving On
Here’s the other side of the coin: the financials. The Celtics are roughly $12 million over the luxury tax threshold, and while there’s no mandate to get under, any move that helps the bottom line while also addressing a need - say, adding depth at center - is going to be considered.
Simons, with his expiring contract and proven scoring chops, is a logical trade chip. If Boston decides they can’t or won’t re-sign him at a number they’re comfortable with, flipping him before the deadline makes sense. It’s not about cutting costs for the sake of it - it’s about maximizing assets.
One potential move that’s been floated in league circles is a deal that brings in a center like Ivica Zubac. Whether the Clippers would actually part with him is another question entirely, but the idea speaks to what Boston might be looking for: a rotation big who can help in the postseason, ideally without adding long-term salary.
A Tatum-Simons Pairing?
One intriguing wrinkle: the possibility of seeing Simons share the floor with Jayson Tatum, who’s working his way back from a torn Achilles. If Tatum returns this season - and that remains a big “if” - Simons could be a helpful offensive complement, easing the load as the All-Star forward works back into game shape.
That kind of pairing could be short-lived, or it could be the beginning of something more. Either way, it adds another layer to the Celtics’ decision-making process. If Simons clicks with Tatum and the rest of the core, Boston might be more inclined to keep him around - even if it means navigating some cap gymnastics in the offseason.
What’s Next?
Right now, the Celtics are in a good spot. They’re not forced to make a move, and they’ve got options.
Simons could stay and play a key role in a deep playoff run. He could be moved in a deal that brings in frontcourt help.
Or he could simply finish out the year, hit free agency, and see what the market has in store.
The odds may not favor a long-term future in Boston for Simons, but stranger things have happened. What we do know is this: he’s doing his part to make the decision a tough one. And in a league where fit, timing, and opportunity often matter as much as talent, that’s all you can ask for.