In just two games with the Celtics, Anfernee Simons has already showcased the scoring prowess that has many of his new teammates calling him simply “a bucket.”
While that may be true, these two games revealed slightly different versions of Simons as a scorer, and personally, I hope the Celtics continue to lean into the way he was utilized against Cleveland, rather than the approach taken in the Toronto game.
In Toronto, Simons put together a solid outing with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-7 from three. However, he struggled as the primary ball-handler under consistent defensive pressure. His three turnovers were directly caused by tight on-ball defense, and there were two additional plays where he lost control due to that same pressure. While I will give grace to first-game jitters, what unfolded in the Cleveland game offered a promising counter, one that both eases the pressure on him and accelerates his adjustment to the Celtics’ system.
In Toronto, Simons had a 27% usage rate. Although usage rate doesn’t always equate to these things, this outing saw him dribbling the ball up the court more against pressure and standing at or near the logo waiting for things to happen. This led to turnovers, but also many late clock situations while he was out there essentially slowing the pace down (Simons had a 94.7 pace rating this game).
While Simons clearly has the talent to score in stagnant possessions with minimal movement, his performance last night suggested that his efficiency can be enhanced. He scored 21 points with a lower usage rate (21%) on 6/12 from the field with all of his makes coming from three (6/9). He had one turnover opposed to three, and his pace rating jumped 13.1 to 107.8.
This is not a cry to take the ball completely out of Simons’ hands (because that would be foolish), but just an angel on the shoulder breaking down the actions and plays where he was able to get catch-and-shoot opportunities and or take less time/dribbles to score.
Even in his first game, there were a few encouraging plays that hinted at how effective Simons could be in more of an off-ball role.
The first play of his Celtics career (video explanation below) was “Ram Miami.” To begin the play, you see Josh Minott set an off ball for Neemias Queta to set a ball screen for Payton Pritchard. That part is the “Ram” action. Ram = an off ball screen for someone to go set a ball screen. Pritchard uses the ball screen from Queta to initiate a DHO with Simons. Miami = dribble hand off followed by a ball screen. Even though he doesn’t make it, he gets an open look.
Next play sees Simons touch the ball quite a few times, but he only takes two dribbles. Chris Boucher receives a series of staggered screens and uses them to cut to the paint. Celtics were able to get good movement between Simons and Xavier Tillman through handoffs, which I noted were a large part of their offense vs. Memphis. On the last handoff, Simons is able to take one dribble and get right to the cup.
Here is just a smart play by Queta freeing Simons up with a simple “Flare” screen.
Simons got more looks off the catch. Four of his six made threes were of that variety.
The first play encapsulates what I hope Jaylen Brown can do consistently this year. A simple drive from him will draw the defense’s attention more often than not. Simons is able to play off him and hit a catch-and-shoot three. He shot 38% from behind the arc in these situations last season.
Next play is good work again by Queta. He catches the defender only looking at the ball and sets another good screen for Simons to spring free. He shot 42% on open threes last season.
Here, he’s able to get one by doing something the Celtics have always viewed as a winning play: corner crash.
Jaylen Brown pushes the pace once again, and his drive forces three Cavaliers to the paint. This leaves Simons and Sam Hauser wide open, and Simons hits another one.
Lastly, Minott does a good job finding Simons trailing the play. No one gets up on Simons, and he has the range to knock this down.
At Media Day, Simons was asked about the potential shot quality change he would see playing with the Celtics. He responded, “when I found out I was coming here, I was like I can finally get some wide open shots on a consistent basis.” And while his tough shot making will always be valuable, I believe an emphasis on getting him the best looks majority of the time will maximize him. The 3-6 or 7+ dribble three point attempts he’s capable of hitting should be the cherry on top, not the main course.
