February has been quite the ride for the Boston Celtics. With one game left before we hit March, they’ve emerged as the league’s defensive powerhouse, boasting a defensive rating of 105.5. Yet, their offense seems to have taken a surprising backseat.
The trade of Anfernee Simons has undeniably reshaped the Celtics' identity. While his absence is felt on the offensive end, the impact on defense has been profound.
Before the trade, the Celtics were sitting pretty with the league’s second-best offense, flaunting a 120.7 offensive rating. Simons was contributing a solid 14.2 points per game, shooting 44% from the field and nearly 40% from downtown. Without him, Boston’s scoring has dipped by nearly 10 points per 100 possessions.
But it’s not just about losing Simons. Since his departure to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, Boston has shaved eight points off their defensive rating.
Simons had his critics regarding defense, but he worked hard to improve. Still, his absence seems to have coincided with a defensive upswing.
The Celtics' defensive improvement might be more than just a happy accident. Sure, they’ve faced some teams dealing with their own challenges - a banged-up Nuggets, a Curry-less Warriors, and the struggling Bulls.
These matchups certainly help the stats. But credit where it’s due: Coach Joe Mazzulla has adjusted the rotation to emphasize defensive rebounding, pushing the Celtics to lead the league in defensive rebounding percentage.
On the offensive side, adjusting to life without Simons has been a hurdle. Integrating Vucevic and crafting a new offensive strategy isn’t something that happens overnight.
The big man has shown glimpses of fitting into the Celtics’ system, with his passing, three-point shooting, and soft touch around the rim. It’s a work in progress, but Vucevic has the potential to fill some of the void left by Simons.
In the end, the Celtics are navigating these changes with a mix of challenges and promise. As they continue to gel, both offensively and defensively, the team’s evolution will be one to watch as the season progresses.