Are Doubts Surrounding the Celtics 26-Year-Old Shooting Guard Starting to Fade?
When the Boston Celtics made the move to acquire Anfernee Simons last July, the reaction was mixed yet generally positive reactions from the fans. While the organization viewed him as a key offensive addition capable of expanding the floor and adding shot creation, skepticism followed closely behind Simons. Questions about fit, defensive consistency, and whether Simons could thrive in a system built around ball movement rather than isolation were common. Early performances only fueled that uncertainty, as his production fluctuated and his role appeared undefined. For a team with championship expectations, patience is often in short supply. Yet as the season has progressed, signs have emerged that those early doubts may be starting to fade.
With Tatum still out recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, Boston needs additional scoring outlets, making the emergence of another reliable offensive option even more important. Simons has begun to settle into Boston’s offensive structure, showing improved shot selection and a clearer understanding of where he fits within the rotation. His ability to score at all three levels has become more evident as he has found rhythm alongside the Celtics’ primary playmakers Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. Rather than forcing offense, Simons has embraced off ball movement and timely catch and shoot opportunities, allowing his scoring to come more naturally. That adjustment has paid dividends, particularly in stretches where Boston needed secondary offense to stabilize momentum. While he will never be known as a lockdown defender, his increased engagement on that end has helped limit some of the concerns surrounding his two-way impact. The confidence he brings as a scorer is starting to outweigh the questions that once dominated the conversation.
Beyond the numbers, Simons’ growing comfort within the lineup. Defenses can no longer collapse as aggressively on Boston’s stars when he is on the floor, creating cleaner looks and improved spacing. His presence has also given the Celtics another late clock option, something that becomes increasingly valuable as games tighten. For a team built to contend deep into the postseason, having multiple players capable of creating offense without disrupting flow is essential. Simons’ willingness to adapt rather than dominate the ball suggests a maturity that aligns with Boston’s long-term goals. Each game adds another layer of trust between player and system.
It is still early enough that sweeping conclusions would be premature, and Simons has more to prove before fully shedding the doubts that followed his arrival. Consistency will ultimately determine whether he becomes a core piece or remains a complementary scorer. However, the trajectory is trending in the right direction. As his role continues to crystallize, the early skepticism surrounding Boston’s prized 26-year-old shooting guard is beginning to soften. If this progression holds, the Celtics may soon be viewed not as a team that took a risk, but as one that saw value others were too quick to question.
