Welcome to Boston, Anfernee Simons!

[Curmudgeon]

Whenever Simons' poor play on defense and turnovers don't cost the game, I chalk that up as a plus. And I hope he keeps shooting well enough to impress some GM who might be willing to trade for him.

[ryan in Maine]

Trying to humanize Simons for our local volunteer hate department. About the 15 minute mark.

Watch on YouTube

[jmr07019]

Trying to humanize Simons for our local volunteer hate department. About the 15 minute mark.

Watch on YouTube

They saw a couple of catch all plus minus stats and will never change their mind. It is what it is.

[Curmudgeon]

Nope, I won't change my mind unless Simons starts to play better, Last night the Celtics won the game because Mazulla benched Simons for the entire second quarter, and didn't put him back in until the Celtics had a 20 point lead. Simons didn't score a single point in the first half and at one juncture he was one for eight on three pointers, but with the game well in hand he finished four for ten.

[Celts17Pride]

Nope, I won't change my mind unless Simons starts to play better, Last night the Celtics won the game because Mazulla benched Simons for the entire second quarter, and didn't put him back in until the Celtics had a 20 point lead. Simons didn't score a single point in the first half and at one juncture he was one for eight on three pointers, but with the game well in hand he finished four for ten.

That's what he does, empty points and nothing else.

[ryan in Maine]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

[djFan71]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

[ryan in Maine]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

I mean, maybe Pritchard has outplayed Simons a little, but the deck is stacked in his favor as he enters his 6th consecutive season with us and was handed the starting role. There would be little to no adjustment to make. And again, he's yet to shoot his career average from downtown in a single game this season. Simons has yet to be given that sort of benefit of doubt.

Simons has been repeatedly singled out for his shooting while in reality he's outshooting Pritchard and White. It's not a great situation for team spirit.

Ts%
Pritchard .526
White .441
Simons .541

It's actually kind of incredible to me.

[djFan71]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

I mean, maybe Pritchard has outplayed Simons a little, but the deck is stacked in his favor as he enters his 6th consecutive season with us and was handed the starting role. There would be little to no adjustment to make. And again, he's yet to shoot his career average from downtown in a single game this season. Simons has yet to be given that sort of benefit of doubt.

Simons has been repeatedly singled out for his shooting while in reality he's outshooting Pritchard and White. It's not a great situation for team spirit.

Ts%
Pritchard .526
White .441
Simons .541

It's actually kind of incredible to me.

Again, I disagree with "handed the starting role" bit, but that's fine.

But, shooting's the one thing you can't single Simons out for criticism on. Shooting/scoring is his main skill and I think he's shown that well here. I think most acknowledge that and "hate" on the rest of his game (or lack thereof). To me, he's been about what I expected +/-. He's working and trying to be better on D, and the shotmaking is excellent. I'm a little surprised that he has more trouble getting by guys off the dribble than I expected. He'll still make it to the rim a good amount, but there's been a possession or 2 each game where he either can't get the ball up the court, or dribbles for 5-10s at the top of the key w/out any progress breaking his guy down. Everyone has those, so not a huge deal, just a tad surprising in the moment. He's making a read and getting off the ball quicker in most cases than in previous years, so that's progress as well.

We could probably run a few more plays for him when he checks in, but other than that I think his role is about right for this squad. I'd still trade him in a heartbeat, though. Just due to money, free up more time for young guys, etc. But, I think he's performed reasonably well for the player he is, and will get better as the season continues.

[ryan in Maine]

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

I mean, maybe Pritchard has outplayed Simons a little, but the deck is stacked in his favor as he enters his 6th consecutive season with us and was handed the starting role. There would be little to no adjustment to make. And again, he's yet to shoot his career average from downtown in a single game this season. Simons has yet to be given that sort of benefit of doubt.

Simons has been repeatedly singled out for his shooting while in reality he's outshooting Pritchard and White. It's not a great situation for team spirit.

Ts%
Pritchard .526
White .441
Simons .541

It's actually kind of incredible to me.

Again, I disagree with "handed the starting role" bit, but that's fine.

But, shooting's the one thing you can't single Simons out for criticism on. Shooting/scoring is his main skill and I think he's shown that well here. I think most acknowledge that and "hate" on the rest of his game (or lack thereof). To me, he's been about what I expected +/-. He's working and trying to be better on D, and the shotmaking is excellent. I'm a little surprised that he has more trouble getting by guys off the dribble than I expected. He'll still make it to the rim a good amount, but there's been a possession or 2 each game where he either can't get the ball up the court, or dribbles for 5-10s at the top of the key w/out any progress breaking his guy down. Everyone has those, so not a huge deal, just a tad surprising in the moment. He's making a read and getting off the ball quicker in most cases than in previous years, so that's progress as well.

We could probably run a few more plays for him when he checks in, but other than that I think his role is about right for this squad. I'd still trade him in a heartbeat, though. Just due to money, free up more time for young guys, etc. But, I think he's performed reasonably well for the player he is, and will get better as the season continues.

I don't think I'd dare move Simons before Tatum comes back, but in any case I'm of the belief that Simons will eventually force Mazzulla's hand. Esp if Pritchard and White keep slumping on the shot we spam lol.

[Parliament10]

I mean, maybe Pritchard has outplayed Simons a little, but the deck is stacked in his favor as he enters his 6th consecutive season with us and was handed the starting role. There would be little to no adjustment to make. And again, he's yet to shoot his career average from downtown in a single game this season. Simons has yet to be given that sort of benefit of doubt.

Simons has been repeatedly singled out for his shooting while in reality he's outshooting Pritchard and White. It's not a great situation for team spirit.

Ts%
Pritchard .526
White .441
Simons .541

It's actually kind of incredible to me.

Again, I disagree with "handed the starting role" bit, but that's fine.

But, shooting's the one thing you can't single Simons out for criticism on. Shooting/scoring is his main skill and I think he's shown that well here. I think most acknowledge that and "hate" on the rest of his game (or lack thereof). To me, he's been about what I expected +/-. He's working and trying to be better on D, and the shotmaking is excellent. I'm a little surprised that he has more trouble getting by guys off the dribble than I expected. He'll still make it to the rim a good amount, but there's been a possession or 2 each game where he either can't get the ball up the court, or dribbles for 5-10s at the top of the key w/out any progress breaking his guy down. Everyone has those, so not a huge deal, just a tad surprising in the moment. He's making a read and getting off the ball quicker in most cases than in previous years, so that's progress as well.

We could probably run a few more plays for him when he checks in, but other than that I think his role is about right for this squad. I'd still trade him in a heartbeat, though. Just due to money, free up more time for young guys, etc. But, I think he's performed reasonably well for the player he is, and will get better as the season continues.

I don't think I'd dare move Simons before Tatum comes back, but in any case I'm of the belief that Simons will eventually force Mazzulla's hand. Esp if Pritchard and White keep slumping on the shot we spam lol.

Agreed. Simons is in a slump ATM, and he's trying to find his place on this Team, being too nice.
But, Anfernee is a 43/38/88 Career. He's best placed on the Starting Unit, over Pritchard.

Pritchard is best as the 6th-Man. -- White is best as a lower than #2 Shooter.
All 3 of them are playing out of place. It doesn't make sense.

Celtics Roster, 2025-26:
Starters: White - Simons - Brown - Minott - Queta
Rotation: Pritchard - González - Hauser - Tillman - Garza
Reserves: Scheierman - Walsh - Boucher

Two-Ways: Shulga - Harper - Amari

[Hal14]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

While you can say "the 3pts % will come" and that may be true, that's a future thing.

You saying that Pritchard has clearly outplayed Simons is a past thing, referring only to the 9 games we've played so far.

If we're only looking at who has played better so far in these 9 games, their 3pt % in those 9 games matters. We can't just say, "oh but Pritchard's will go up".

The main thing that both of them bring to the table is perimeter shooting. So the fact that Simons is at 38% and Pritchard is only at 22% matters. If the main thing they bring is perimeter shooting, I have a hard time believing that the guy who is at 22% from 3 "has clearly outplayed" the guy who's at 38%.

Next thing they both bring to the table is ball handling. While Pritchard is probably a better ball handler it's pretty close there, not a huge gap imo. And defensively, they have been in the same ballpark as well. Pritchard has maybe been a little better on D but it's close.

[ryan in Maine]

It's fun that we can all watch the Celtics doing the research to figure it out, and each express our position without fighting. This is a Schrodinger kind of discussion after all. We're all right and we're all wrong until it happens lol. Every post is like a tiny bet we make.

One more thing to point out — Simons is the only player on the Celtics who has experience as the first option. Now, we'll all grade Portland on our own curve, but imo those were NBA minutes against NBA players and Simons held his own as the focus of the d.

To be clear I'm a big fan of Pritchard and White. Just feels like we're sitting on untapped potential.

[Fencer reregistered]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

While you can say "the 3pts % will come" and that may be true, that's a future thing.

You saying that Pritchard has clearly outplayed Simons is a past thing, referring only to the 9 games we've played so far.

If we're only looking at who has played better so far in these 9 games, their 3pt % in those 9 games matters. We can't just say, "oh but Pritchard's will go up".

The main thing that both of them bring to the table is perimeter shooting. So the fact that Simons is at 38% and Pritchard is only at 22% matters. If the main thing they bring is perimeter shooting, I have a hard time believing that the guy who is at 22% from 3 "has clearly outplayed" the guy who's at 38%.

Next thing they both bring to the table is ball handling. While Pritchard is probably a better ball handler it's pretty close there, not a huge gap imo. And defensively, they have been in the same ballpark as well. Pritchard has maybe been a little better on D but it's close.

2pt shooting and assists are both strongly in Pritchard's favor. as is A/TO. eFG% is fairly close -- 8th on the team vs. 11th, with the guys inbetween being Garza and Williams. FTs don't distinguish between them much. Rebounding is of course in Pritchard's favor.

[djFan71]

A reasonable person and a respectable fan might recognize Simons is currently making the biggest adjustment on the team and support him in his endeavor. Cheer him on, even.

What Mazzulla is doing to Simons is headscratching to me. I disagree with Mazzulla's emphasis of seniority as well. I don't care if Pritchard was here longer he's not as good as Simons and we're going to risk cratering Pritchard's value by teaching the league that he's not a starter, unlike the guy who started 3-4 consecutive seasons. We're instead forcing him to watch Pritchard and White, both Celtics veterans, who have yet to shoot their career average from downtown for even a single game this season. Correction, White just did it finally.

Everyone is struggling to figure out the rotation and the vibe in the backcourt, yet only one is targeted with hate.

I don't see the seniority thing. Pritchard to me has clearly outplayed Simons. He had a rough first couple games, but has been killing it lately. Only thing you can complain about is the 3pt % which will come.

I do agree Simons has had to sacrifice some usage. He's definitely trying to compete more on both ends, and is finding his way into the bench role. That's fine, and he'll either settle into that role and flourish, or he won't. But, that's the role this team has for him.

While you can say "the 3pts % will come" and that may be true, that's a future thing.

You saying that Pritchard has clearly outplayed Simons is a past thing, referring only to the 9 games we've played so far.

If we're only looking at who has played better so far in these 9 games, their 3pt % in those 9 games matters. We can't just say, "oh but Pritchard's will go up".

The main thing that both of them bring to the table is perimeter shooting. So the fact that Simons is at 38% and Pritchard is only at 22% matters. If the main thing they bring is perimeter shooting, I have a hard time believing that the guy who is at 22% from 3 "has clearly outplayed" the guy who's at 38%.

Next thing they both bring to the table is ball handling. While Pritchard is probably a better ball handler it's pretty close there, not a huge gap imo. And defensively, they have been in the same ballpark as well. Pritchard has maybe been a little better on D but it's close.

Not just future. Pritchard has been killing it scoring in the paint and on playmaking lately as well. First 2 games he sucked, but he has been a much better player in the last 7 games than Simons, imo. Even if he keeps bricking from 3, he's more effective and conducive to winning than Simons.

I'm not trying to knock Simons, I'm just saying the case for Simons can't rest on him being better than Pritchard, cuz he's not.

[return2glory]

Right now, we are a small team. Simons is a rental for the season. Replacing him with a 6-10 to 6-11 big that can play both ends and play both PF and center will team this team in a big way. I think that's the plan for Brad this season at the deadline or in the offseason he has little more money to spend.

[redslastlaugh]

I'm just guessing what is Brad's plan because I don't have any idea. Is it still cut money? Maybe? Brad can always use the KP trade $22M TPE to add a player before the draft, so we don't need to preserve salary slots.

Simons does seem like a rental for me, I was hopeful when we traded for him, but the way we didn't introduce him and then Mannix saying we spent all summer trying to trade him in a pure financial move ... just screams rental, which is a bummer, that we did this big chain of moves: sending out Nesmith, multiple firsts, Rob and then it boils down to getting nothing back for Jrue (once the Simons rental expires) in a pure money play... it's a bummer

Right now, we are a small team. Simons is a rental for the season. Replacing him with a 6-10 to 6-11 big that can play both ends and play both PF and center will team this team in a big way. I think that's the plan for Brad this season at the deadline or in the offseason he has little more money to spend.