The Boston Celtics traded guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks. Simons has a considerably higher offensive potential than Holiday, which could greatly benefit Boston this season.
Boston Sports Journal’s Celtics writer John Karalis is high on Simons‘ offensive upside.
“Simons is an unquestioned offensive talent. He shoots the ball very well, including off the dribble, so he can create for himself whenever he needs to,” Karalis wrote Tuesday. “He’s the only Celtic on this year’s roster who has been at the top of the opposing team’s scouting report, so he’s very comfortable being the target of all the defensive pressure.”
The Celtics will be without their leading scorer, Jayson Tatum, for a significant portion of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Jaylen Brown will need support on offense, and Simons could become the team’s second offensive threat.
Simons averaged 19.3 points per game last season, which would have placed him fourth on the Celtics last year behind Tatum, Brown and Kristaps Porzingis.
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Simons will play a much larger role than he probably anticipated when he was traded to the team. For the Celtics to secure a spot in the playoffs this season, Simons must return to being the offensive threat he was while playing in Portland.
Featured image via Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images
