Celtics Nation, the most heartwarming story of early 2026 belongs to Anfernee Simons! After five long years on the outside looking in with the Portland Trail Blazers – shouldering the load replacing CJ McCollum, then Damian Lillard, even helping turn things around in the second half of 2024-25 – Simons is finally living his postseason dream with the Boston Celtics. The cost-cutting trade summer 2025 (centered on moving Jrue Holiday) brought him to TD Garden, and despite constant trade rumors, he’s still here and a key piece in Boston’s 21-12 start (No. 3 East as of early January 2026)!
Miami Heat v Boston Celtics
From 2023 Words to 2026 Reality
Back in October 2023, Simons told Aaron Fentress (The Oregonian): “We want to win. We want to make the playoffs. That’s everybody’s goal.” Blazers rebuilding, playoffs a distant dream. Fast-forward: Simons not just “on track” – he’s essential to a true contender, his first postseason shot since 2020-21 (Bubble with Portland).
Stats Proving His Indispensable Role
Simons in all 33/33 games this season:
5th in minutes (~28-30 MPG lately).3rd in 3PM, 4th in scoring & assists.Ultra-low turnovers: just 1.0 TOV/game – mistake-free ball!Defensive leap: 85th percentile off-ball chaser, 77th percentile ball-screen navigation (despite isolation struggles).
Recent highlights:
Vs Utah Jazz: 30 mins, 20 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl.Vs Sacramento Kings: 30 mins, 14 pts, 4 ast – key to road trip win (3-1).
Team records when Simons cooks:
4-1 when ≥20 pts.9-3 when ≥15 pts.14-6 when ≥10 shots.
On/off: Celtics +8.0/100 with Simons, +5.1 without – solid +2.9 difference! Jaylen Brown TS% up 7.4%, Derrick White +5.8 pts/75 possessions alongside him.
Adapting to Boston Culture – The Key to Success
Despite guard surplus (White, Brown, Pritchard…), Simons stands out with off-ball movement, elite catch-and-shoot, and defensive commitment. He’s a “positive influence on winning” – exactly what Mazzulla needs for balance and playoff flexibility.
Bottom Line: Playoffs No Longer Distant – Simons Deserves This!
After five patient years in Portland rebuild, Simons is indispensable on a real contender. With Celtics top 3 East and rotation stabilizing, 2026 postseason is all but guaranteed. This isn’t just refreshing – it’s a well-earned reward for his adaptation and hard work.
Celtics fans, thoughts? Is Simons the biggest “hidden gem” from the 2025 trade? How will he explode in his first playoffs in 5 years? Drop comments – Simons’ story is beautiful!