The Boston Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons as part of the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this summer. Simons spent the first seven years of his career with the franchise.
For the past four years, Simons has played under Chaucney Billups, who took over the head coaching role in Portland in the 2021-22 season. Yet, in a shock turn of events, on Thursday, Oct. 23, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Billups has been arrested by the FBI for an alleged illegal gambling offense.
When speaking with the media on Friday, Oct. 24, Simons spoke on his relationship with his former head coach and his shock at the news of his arrest.
“It hit me pretty tough for sure,” Simons said. “Just in shock. And obviously, I’ve got a great relationship with Chauncey. Even after the trade, he’s checking in on me, and I’m checking in on him. So we had a great relationship, and I think it’s an unfortunate situation for him to be in, especially for him and his family, all the media attention that’s coming in, the scrutiny. It’s just an unfortunate situation.”
Despite his surprise at the news, Simons must ensure that he remains fully focused on embedding himself within the Celtics rotation. He can’t afford to let himself become distracted, especially as he’s in a contract year.
Celtics’ Simons Recently Discussed His New Role
When speaking to the media during the Celtics’ preseason slate of games, Simons addressed his new role as part of the team’s second unit and the adjustments he’s making to thrive in that role.
“I thought at first I was overthinking it,” Simons said. “But once I got out there I got a little more comfortable. Obviously when you’ve been starting for how many years now, you feel, like, changing the kind of routine that you’ve built the past couple of years. But I think those early years coming off the bench really helped me and kind of understanding coming off the bench and the rhythm and just the preparation to come off the bench. But it was good.”
Simons has the opportunity to establish himself as a key member of the Celtics rotation this season. However, he must first adapt to the new style of offense and prove that he can at least be a neutral asset on the defensive side of the floor.
Simons Could Be A Trade Chip For The Celtics
Simons is in the final year of his current contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. If Brad Stevens isn’t interested in paying Simons what it will take to keep him around long-term, he could become a popular name as we get closer to the trade deadline.
After all, high-scoring guards with experience leading an offense are often in short supply. Stevens would likely be seeking a legitimate talent in return for Simons, especially if he proves himself to be a valuable member of the rotation in the coming months.
Celtics fans will get another taste of what Simons is capable of when the team faces the New York Knicks on Friday, Oct. 24. And of course, if the offensively minded guard continues to impress, then there’s always a chance the Celtics look to extend his stay, regardless of the roster questions that could potentially arise.
No matter what lies ahead for Simons, he’s currently wearing Celtics green, and that means his full focus should be on helping the team win games, regardless of any shock news that may find its way into the public sphere.
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