BOSTON — It’s been a winding road for Anfernee Simons as he’s attempted to get used to things with the Boston Celtics. His offensive role has fluctuated frequently since joining the Celtics, especially compared to his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s been a constant push and pull.
One night, he’s playing 30 minutes, another, he barely cracks 10. For the most part, his playing time has depended on his ability to make shots, as his defensive weaknesses have held him back from being the high-minutes player he often was in Portland, especially with the Celtics’ new system on that side of the ball.
But his decision-making in the pick-and-roll has also been a work in progress. And if he can improve there, it could help significantly improve his offensive role within Boston’s scheme.
Anfernee Simons can still improve his offensive game
Late in the second quarter on Sunday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylen Brown went to set a screen for Simons at the top of the key. He wanted to get Darius Garland switched onto him, and he did. But Simons didn’t get him the ball right away.
As a result, the Cavs were able to switch off the ball, getting Jalon Tyson on Brown. The Celtics star still managed to draw a foul on the drive, but after the play, Joe Mazzulla was on the sideline telling Simons to go quicker.
Those same decisions have been a bit off at times with the big men screening, too. Late in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons, Amari Williams slipped toward the rim, but Simons sent the pass just a bit too far in front of him. Detroit nabbed the steal.
Anfernee Simons spoke about his progress
These types of pick-and-roll opportunities have been a work in progress for Simons.
“I think I've been just trying to get a good rhythm in each and every game,” he said at shootaround on Tuesday morning. “I think, like I said before, every game is different, so you just got to build a trust with all the big men that's setting the pick-and-roll for you. Just building that relationship. But I think it's been going good, though.
“Luka, Neemi, even when Amari's here, [and] even Josh when he's playing small-ball five, I think it's just constant communication. Trying to figure out how we want to play.”
Simons’ catch-and-shoot game has been perfect for Boston this year. He’s lights-out in those situations. But when the ball has been put in his hands, the action has been just a beat or two off.
If he can perfect those scenarios, his offensive role could skyrocket, which would be a huge tool for the Celtics to deploy in their quest to diversify their offensive game.