The Boston Celtics are heading into unfamiliar territory. For the first time in years, they won’t be penciled in as a playoff lock.
With Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles and the front office reshaping the roster, Boston has turned the page on its championship core.
One of the boldest moves came when the team traded Jrue Holiday to Portland in a deal that brought back Anfernee Simons — a guard on a $100 million contract who arrives with both potential and questions about his future.
Tatum’s Message on the $100 Million Guard
Simons’ fit in Boston has already been the subject of speculation, with reports suggesting the Celtics could look to flip him in another trade. But Tatum, the face of the franchise, is optimistic about what the 26-year-old can bring.
“We’re bringing in guys like Anfernee, who’s been very, very good in the NBA in a different environment,” Tatum told USA Today Sports. “And now we’re bringing him into an environment where the expectations are a little different and he’s an unbelievable player, and I think he will thrive in a situation like that.”
It was a vote of confidence from Boston’s leader, and one that may have put all speculation to bed. With Tatum backing him publicly, Simons enters training camp with momentum on his side, even as questions about his future in Boston continue to linger.
Simons Brings Scoring Punch to Celtics
Simons arrives in Boston with a reputation as a gifted scorer. In Portland last season, he put up 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while appearing in 70 contests. His ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor has made him a valuable offensive piece since breaking out in the 2021-22 campaign.
Still, efficiency is not the only concern. His defense remains a big question mark, and opponents often targeted him on that end of the floor in Portland. If he is going to thrive under Joe Mazzulla, he will need to prove he can stay solid within Boston’s system and not be a liability against elite guards in the East.
Boston’s Big Picture
The Celtics did not just bring in Simons to fill minutes while Tatum rehabs. At 26, he fits the timeline of a team looking to retool on the fly. Whether Boston keeps him long-term or uses him as a trade chip will depend on how he performs in his first season wearing green.
What is clear is that Tatum’s endorsement carries weight. If Simons can seize the opportunity in Boston, he could change the conversation about his future — and maybe the Celtics’ future, too.
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