Anfernee Simons Still Finding His Fit in Boston - But the Ceiling’s High
BOSTON - Anfernee Simons’ transition to the Boston Celtics hasn’t exactly been seamless, and that’s not unexpected. This isn’t Portland, where he had the ball in his hands more often and a longer leash to work through mistakes. In Boston, where the system is tighter and the defensive expectations are higher, Simons has been navigating a new role - and it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.
Some nights, he’s logging starter-level minutes. Other nights, he’s barely breaking double digits on the court.
That inconsistency has mostly come down to two things: his shot falling and his ability - or struggle - to hold his own defensively in Joe Mazzulla’s system. Boston’s defensive scheme demands connectivity, and Simons is still learning how to be part of that five-man puzzle.
But it’s not just the defense. Offensively, there’s still some fine-tuning going on, particularly in the pick-and-roll - a key area where Simons could become a real weapon if he sharpens his decision-making.
Learning the Celtics' Pick-and-Roll Rhythm
Take a moment from Sunday night’s game against the Cavaliers. Late in the second quarter, Jaylen Brown came up to set a high screen for Simons, looking to force a switch and get Darius Garland on Brown.
The switch happened, but Simons hesitated. He didn’t deliver the ball to Brown quickly enough, and that brief delay gave Cleveland time to scramble and switch off the ball - Jalon Tyson ended up on Brown instead.
Brown still managed to draw a foul on the drive, but the opportunity to exploit the mismatch was lost. Joe Mazzulla didn’t miss it - cameras caught him signaling to Simons to speed things up.
It’s not an isolated case. Earlier in that same week against the Pistons, Simons had another moment that showed he’s still getting his timing down.
Late in the first quarter, Amari Williams slipped to the rim after setting a screen, and Simons tried to hit him with a pocket pass. It was just a touch too far out in front.
Detroit picked it off.
These are the kinds of reads that don’t always show up in the box score but matter a ton when you’re trying to earn trust as a ball-handler in a contending team’s rotation. The good news? Simons knows it - and he’s working on it.
Building Chemistry, One Rep at a Time
Speaking at shootaround on Tuesday, Simons acknowledged that the pick-and-roll chemistry is still developing.
“I think I've been just trying to get a good rhythm in each and every game,” he said. “Every game is different, so you just got to build a trust with all the big men that's setting the pick-and-roll for you. Just building that relationship.”
He mentioned Luka, Neemias Queta, Amari Williams, and even Josh when he’s playing small-ball five. The message was clear: it’s a work in progress, and it’s built on reps, communication, and trust.
That kind of chemistry doesn’t happen overnight - especially when your minutes and role are fluctuating. But the Celtics are clearly investing in Simons’ development, and his ability to adapt could be a swing factor for this team as the season wears on.
Catch-and-Shoot? No Problem.
Now, let’s be clear: when Simons is spotting up, he’s been money. His catch-and-shoot numbers have been exactly what Boston hoped for when they brought him in - efficient, confident, and timely. He’s a natural fit in that off-ball role, spacing the floor and punishing defenders who sag or help too aggressively.
But when the ball is in his hands, and the Celtics are asking him to initiate offense, that’s where the rhythm still needs to catch up. The reads are just a little late.
The timing is just a little off. And in the NBA, that half-second hesitation can be the difference between a clean look and a turnover.
The Upside Is Still There
Here’s the thing: if Simons can tighten up those pick-and-roll reads - if he starts hitting the roll man in stride, attacking mismatches quicker, and making the right decisions consistently - his offensive role could expand in a big way. And on a Celtics team that’s already loaded with top-end talent, having another reliable creator who can bend defenses would be a major asset.
Boston doesn’t need Simons to be a star. They need him to be sharp, efficient, and in sync with the system.
He’s already shown he can shoot. Now it’s about rounding out the rest of his game, especially as a secondary playmaker.
The flashes are there. The tools are there. If the decision-making catches up, Simons could become a critical piece of Boston’s offensive versatility down the stretch.