Anfernee Simons came into this season saying all the right things-more defensive engagement, a commitment to growth on that end of the floor. But in Boston, it’s not about what you say.
It’s about what you do. And so far, Simons is backing up the talk with the kind of defensive buy-in that’s turning heads inside the Celtics organization.
From Day 1, Simons has been working closely with assistant coach Ross McMains, locking in on the defensive details that often separate good teams from great ones. The focus hasn’t just been about effort-it’s been about development.
And the results? They’re showing.
Now in his eighth NBA season, Simons is making noticeable strides as an on-ball defender. He’s not just staying in front of his man-he’s disrupting plays.
According to NBA.com, he’s averaging 1.1 deflections per game, a number that’s nearly identical to what he posted in his final season with the Trail Blazers-despite playing nearly nine fewer minutes per night. That kind of efficiency speaks volumes about his defensive awareness and activity.
And the Celtics are taking notice.
Derrick White Sees the Growth
After a recent shootaround in Miami, Derrick White offered a glimpse into how Simons’ evolution is being received in the locker room.
“I think just his confidence has grown,” White said. “I think a lot of times, you, I wouldn't say panic, but like, maybe reach or something, or might foul.
Right now, he's just been super solid and just trusting his instincts. And so it's been cool to see someone that's dedicated to that side of the ball, and he's came in and done a lot of great things for us."
That word-solid-might not pop off the page, but in NBA defensive circles, it’s high praise. It means Simons isn’t gambling. He’s staying disciplined, trusting the scheme, and doing his job possession after possession.
Brad Stevens Is a Believer
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has seen his share of players talk about becoming better defenders. But what Simons is doing has gone beyond lip service.
“Defensively, I've just been really impressed,” Stevens said in December. “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 a GM offering polite praise. That’s a guy who helped build this roster, recognizing that Simons is becoming a real contributor on the side of the ball that wins championships.
Joe Mazzulla Praises Simons’ Sacrifice
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has also been vocal in his appreciation of Simons’ transition-not just from a defensive standpoint, but in terms of his overall role. Going from Portland’s go-to scorer to Boston’s sixth man is no small shift. It requires a different mindset, a willingness to sacrifice touches and spotlight for the greater good.
Mazzulla has highlighted Simons’ ball pressure and ability to impact the game defensively as key reasons why he’s been so effective in that role.
Payton Pritchard Saw It Coming
Payton Pritchard has known Simons longer than most on this Celtics squad. Back when Pritchard was starring at Oregon and Simons was still early in his pro career, the two would go at it in workouts. So when he sees Simons locking in on defense now, he’s not surprised.
“I think he's always had that ability,” Pritchard said after Boston’s win over the Bulls earlier this month. “It's a little bit harder when you're the main engine to maybe play defense every night at a high level… But for him, he's expanding his game, but he's always been capable of this.”
Pritchard’s right. Simons has the tools.
A 6-foot-7 wingspan and quick feet give him the physical profile to be a plus defender. What’s different now is the context.
He’s no longer carrying the offensive load night in and night out. That’s opened the door for him to focus more energy on defense-and in Boston, that’s not optional.
It’s expected.
Timing Is Everything
Simons’ defensive emergence couldn’t be coming at a better time. He’s heading into free agency this summer, and while a pay cut from his $27.7 million salary seems likely, showing he can be a reliable two-way player could soften that financial hit. More importantly, it’s strengthening his case to stick around in Boston-not just through the trade deadline, but potentially beyond.
For a Celtics team with title aspirations, having a bench piece who can defend, create, and buy into the culture is invaluable. Simons is proving he’s more than just a scorer-he’s a player evolving in real time, and doing it in the spotlight of a championship contender.
The Celtics don’t need him to be a lockdown stopper. They just need him to be solid, consistent, and committed. And right now, Anfernee Simons is checking all those boxes.