Anfernee Simons' Celtics preseason debut delivers a crucial reminder

Anfernee Simons' first exhibition game in a Boston Celtics uniform was a tale of two halves. What was evident during the first 24 minutes was something easy to lose sight of with an offensive player of his capabilities. Acclimating takes time.

Bonding activities off the court, whether it's attending a New England Patriots game, a concert, or breaking bread together, help expedite the process and carry benefits that translate onto the court. However, it still requires patience.

Simons spent the first seven years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. After Damian Lillard departed, he became the team's primary offensive option. Now, he's donning a green and white uniform in a new system with different teammates to get acclimated alongside.

In his opening shift, Simons, who started alongside Payton Pritchard in the backcourt against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, picked up three fouls in 59 seconds. That sent him to the bench.

The 26-year-old guard entered halftime with eight points on 2/7 shooting and one assist. After the break, it was evident that Simons was more comfortable.

Playing the majority of the third quarter before getting the final frame off, the standout scorer generated 10 of his 18 points following intermission. He knocked down four of the six shots he hoisted.

What he demonstrated was the ability to create for himself, get to the basket, and convert on difficult attempts.

What Simons displayed in the third quarter captured why Mike Zarren told the NBC Sports Boston broadcast during the game, "He is an elite NBA offensive player, and we're going to need it from him this year." The franchise's vice president of basketball operations and team counsel continued singing Simons' praises, stating, "He can hit shots from anywhere [and] he's got good vision."

Anfernee Simons discusses his Celtics debut

After the Celtics' 107-105 loss, courtesy of a late-game collapse induced by an abundance of turnovers against Toronto's defensive pressure, Simons admitted to being a bit nervous about his first game in a Celtics uniform.

"A little nervous at first, but I think in the second half, I kind of calmed down and started to play my game a little bit more," he shared.

The former IMG Academy star also expressed that he utilizes the beginning of the game to feel out the defense before increasing his aggression.

"The first half, I usually feel out the defense a little bit more. And that's how I was taught how to play the game," said Simons. "But it's going to vary. Obviously, it's a different role on this team, and so it's going to change game-to-game.

"So, at first, like I said, I was just trying to feel out the game and get over these fouls, and a little bit of the nerves. And so after halftime, I got a little bit more comfortable and started to see some shots go in."

As Simons noted, his situation won't be as cut-and-dry as it was in Portland. He'll share the floor plenty with a new primary option in Jaylen Brown. He'll also benefit from working alongside players like Derrick White and Pritchard.

The six-foot-three guard may also have to adapt to coming off the bench, a role that likely asks him to quickly find his rhythm offensively. There's also what the Celtics are asking from Simons on defense. It's a standard he appears eager to hold himself to. It all highlights the acclimation process that comes with the start of a new partnership.