Anfernee Simons has had the kind of week that reminds you just how unpredictable life in the NBA can be.
On Sunday, he was lighting it up off the bench for the Boston Celtics-dropping 27 points in just 25 minutes in a big win over the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. Two days later, he was packing his bags. Traded again, this time to the Chicago Bulls-his second move in seven months.
Fast forward to Thursday night, Simons was already suiting up for his new squad, making his Bulls debut against the Toronto Raptors. The result?
A loss for Chicago, but a strong personal showing from Simons, who led the team in scoring with 22 points. That’s not just a solid debut-that’s a guy showing he’s ready to contribute, no matter the jersey.
After the game, Simons was honest about the whirlwind nature of the past few days.
“Everything is moving so fast,” he said. “Just me and the guys in the morning, basically, and go through shootaround with them, go out there and play in an NBA game. I’m still taking it one day at a time.”
And that’s the reality of a midseason trade. It’s not like the offseason, where there’s time to settle in, build chemistry, and learn the system.
Simons had a full summer to get acclimated in Boston. In Chicago, he’s getting a crash course-meet the team, hit shootaround, then go play real minutes in a real game.
But even with the chaos, Simons is wasting no time making an impact. Unlike in Boston, where he came off the bench, he’s already been inserted into the starting lineup in Chicago. That’s a clear vote of confidence from the Bulls’ coaching staff, and it opens the door for Simons to take on a bigger role.
Let’s be real-he’s probably not going to rack up as many wins in Chicago as he did with the Celtics. But what he will get is playing time, touches, and a chance to show what he can do ahead of free agency this summer. For a player looking to make his mark and secure his next contract, that opportunity could be just as valuable.
So yes, it’s been a wild ride for Anfernee Simons this week. But if his Bulls debut is any indication, he’s not just along for the ride-he’s steering it.