An Anfernee Simons replacement isn't exactly the Boston Celtics' biggest priority, but the fact that a reunion was supposedly an option before he chose to join Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia at least shows the Celtics are looking into it. One viable option technically isn't one at the moment, but all signs point to him becoming one: DeMar DeRozan.
Yahoo Sports! Kelly Iko reported that Sacramento is expected to end their time with DeRozan either via trade or waiving, with the expectation that his partially guaranteed contract will be waived and stretched.
If and when that happens, which likely will be soon, DeRozan is as harmless of a flyer as a Simons replacement as long as he comes on a team-friendly deal. Couple that with the expectation of being an Ant Simons replacement, and this could fit DeRozan as he enters the twilight of his career.
Simons won over Celtics fans because of how hot he could get when the team was cold. DeRozan is not the same player as Simons, but he is still a talented enough scorer to put the ball in the bucket when he's got it going.
The Celtics have seen this upfront in previous matchups against him. He's not the same caliber of player he was a few years ago, but in a minimized role, he can play that Simons role.
DeRozan's wing scoring abilities could also help preserve Paul George
Celtics fans already aren't too thrilled with the acquisition of George, but they're going to have to make do with him. Part of why George isn't the most exciting addition these days isn't just that he's aging or that Jaylen Brown is better, but that he's injury-prone.
George has missed a substantial amount of games over the past several seasons - though this past season was because of a suspension - and now that he's on the wrong side of 30, the Celtics should know that the most effective way to get the most out of him is to put him on the same plan as Al Horford.
That means rest him on back to backs and limit his playing time even when he does. George isn't the scorer he once was, but he still is a quality scorer along the wing. If the Celtics do indeed plan to conserve him as much as they can, that's where DeRozan would fit in nicely.
For all the things DeRozan can't do, filling in for George when the Celtics rest him could be perfect. Boston shouldn't add someone like him believing he puts them over the top. They should add him believing he can contribute to the greater good for their playoff hopes, even if not directly.
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