Joe Mazzulla explains Celtics' balancing act with Anfernee Simons

Much of the offseason chatter surrounding Anfernee Simons was whether he would even be on the Boston Celtics' roster when the season started. While respecting that the right offer could change the equation, it would come as a surprise if he's not.

The Simons discourse also pertained to whether he will start or come off the bench behind Payton Pritchard. It's a matter neither player seems concerned with.

Instead, the six-foot-three guard is more focused on meeting the Celtics' challenge to him on defense. In a contract year, he's in an infrastructure that can help change teams' perception of what he can contribute as a two-way player.

As the seven-year veteran works to prove himself on that end, he's also excited about what awaits him offensively.

The Anfernee Simons balancing act

After the Damian Lillard trade, which led to Jrue Holiday helping Boston raise banner 18, the former Portland Trail Blazers guard enjoyed two seasons as the primary offensive option. It's the most coveted role in the NBA. However, his team didn't reach the play-in tournament in either campaign.

At training camp, Simons spoke with Hardwood Houdini about what he's eager to prove in the spotlight that comes with playing for the Celtics.

"That I can impact winning," he stated. "I think that was one of the big things that you could say about me, is that in the last couple [of] years, where I've been the main guy, we didn't win. So, I want to come in -- like I said before -- no matter how it looks like, I want to have that winning player stigma on me, and so that's pretty much simple.

"No matter what it looks like, how hard it is, how much of an adjustment it can be, ups and downs, I want to be able to stretch myself into being that type of player."

Simons is eager to prove that he's a winning player. He's excited to operate alongside players who will make his life easier offensively, like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.

However, while it's paramount that his commitment to winning basketball includes accentuating those around him, his new team also has to tap into the abilities that allowed him to be a primary scorer in Portland.

"Yeah, it's a balance, right?" said Joe Mazzulla after Monday's practice at the Auerbach Center. "He's proven he can play at a high level. He can score at a high level. He's a very talented player. At the same time, we kind of need him to be the best version of himself. At the same time, make the guys around him better. So, it's a balance. He's coming with an open mind. He's coming with a work ethic and an understanding of, 'Where can I fit in?'

"So, we just have to make sure, one, we don't take away his aggressiveness, at the same time, how can we make everybody around each other better?"

As the Celtics prepare for their first preseason game on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, what's clear is that they and Simons are committed to each other. The fact that this partnership may not last beyond February's trade deadline doesn't influence that approach.