As the Boston Celtics gear up for the new season, all eyes are on their blockbuster offseason acquisition, Anfernee Simons. The former Portland Trail Blazers guard arrives in Boston with a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. Will he don the green and white for the long haul? Can he cement a starting role? Is his defense up to par for a championship contender? And perhaps most crucially, will his stint with the Celtics extend beyond this season? With media day looming and Simons firmly on the roster, Jayson Tatum didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s newest addition.
“He’s been very, very good in the NBA, and now we’re bringing him into an environment where the expectations are sky-high,” Tatum told USA Today Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes. “He’s an unbelievable player, and I think he’ll thrive in a situation like this.” Tatum’s confidence in Simons signals a belief that the 26-year-old guard can rise to the occasion in Boston’s high-pressure, championship-or-bust culture.
On the offensive end, Simons is a natural fit for the Celtics’ dynamic system. Last season, he averaged an impressive 19.3 points per game, building on a career that’s seen him consistently deliver 15 points per contest. His calling card? A lethal three-point shot. Simons is a high-volume sharpshooter, averaging 6.5 attempts from beyond the arc over his career and ramping up to at least 8.5 per game over the last three seasons.
His versatility as a shooter stands out. In the 2024-25 season, Simons ranked 13th among players taking at least 3.5 pull-up threes per game, sinking 34.7% of his 4.2 attempts, according to NBA.com. He’s equally effective on catch-and-shoot opportunities, converting 37.7% of his 4.3 tries from deep. This dual-threat ability makes him a perfect complement to Boston’s spacing-heavy, movement-oriented offense.
But Simons isn’t just a shooter. He’s a better playmaker than many give him credit for, averaging 4.5 assists per game over the past four seasons as a primary ball-handler. Unlike anyone else on the Celtics’ roster, Simons brings experience as the focal point of an opposing team’s defensive game plan. His ability to create off the dribble, distribute, and knock down shots makes him a multifaceted weapon. For a team that values players who can shoot, pass, and drive, Simons checks every box.
The bigger question surrounding Simons is his defense. Can he hold his own in Boston’s suffocating defensive scheme? While his 6-foot-3 frame may seem undersized, Simons compensates with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, which he used to generate 1.2 deflections and nearly 1.0 steals per game last season, per NBA.com. His quick feet and long arms allow him to disrupt passing lanes and challenge opponents both on and off the ball.
Still, Simons has yet to prove he can be a consistent two-way player. In Boston, where defensive intensity is non-negotiable, he’ll need to elevate his game. With a contract year looming, the motivation is clear: Simons has every reason to show he can compete on both ends of the floor. If he can adapt to Boston’s defensive culture, he could silence doubters and solidify his place in the rotation.
As the Celtics integrate Simons into their system, his performance could determine whether he’s a one-year rental or a long-term investment. Boston’s front office will closely monitor how he meshes with the team’s core and whether his contributions justify the projected cost of retaining him. Tatum’s early endorsement suggests optimism, but Simons’ ability to thrive under Boston’s intense spotlight will ultimately decide his fate.
With training camp underway and the season fast approaching, Simons has a golden opportunity to prove he’s more than just a talented scorer. If he can harness his offensive gifts and make strides defensively, he might not only earn a starting role but also carve out a lasting place among Boston’s championship hopefuls. For now, Tatum’s bold take sets the tone: Simons has the talent, but the stage is his to conquer.