The Boston Celtics are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading their newly acquired guard, Simons. Jay King of Athletic stated on June 27 that Boston is thinking about trading Anfernee Simons to improve the odds of retaining other core players on the roster.
“Looking to continue shedding salary, the Celtics have explored the idea of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract, according to league sources. In such a move, they would be aiming to accomplish two organizational directives Brad Stevens emphasized after the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday: regaining more roster flexibility and setting up a path to retain free agents Luke Kornet and Al Horford”.
Simons Fits Boston’s Offense Better Than Brown
Although Boston’s logic is entirely understandable, Simons is not the perimeter player they should be considering for a trade. Over the past three seasons, the Boston Celtics have employed an offensive system centered on isolation and post-ups.
Boston runs an isolation on 9% of their offensive possessions, averaging 9.9 per game, which is 5th in the league. The Celtics have complemented their isolation possessions with post-ups. Boston has run a post up on 5.4% of their possessions, averaging 5.9 per game, 9th in the league.
During these possessions, Boston likes to surround the ball handler with 3 floor spacers. On January 25, Jayson Tatum had established post position on the right block with eight minutes to go in the first quarter against the Mavericks. After establishing the post position, he received a pass from Derrick White.
Jason proceeded to make a turnaround jumper over Kyrie Irving to end the play. As the play unfolded, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis were all standing behind the three-point line as floor spacers.
These types of plays contributed to Tatum accounting for over 40% of the team’s isolation and post-up attempts. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged at least two possessions in each play type.
Boston’s offensive system suggests that Anfernee Simons is an ideal complement to Tatum in the long term. Anfernee Simons would excel in the floor spacer role, as he has made 42.1% of his catch-and-shoot threes during his career on 3.5 attempts per game. His catch-and-shoot account for 53.8% of his three-point attempts, as he has an overall percentage of 38.1% on 6.5 attempts per game.
Mazzulla’s System Prioritizes Three-Point Volume
Simonds isn’t just an ideal complement to Tatum; he is a perfect fit for the current version of the Boston Celtics organization as a whole. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has encouraged the roster to prioritize the three-point shot above all other field goal attempts.
On October 30, 2022, Boston took 47 threes in a win over the Washington Wizards. After the game, Boston Media asked the head coach why the team took so many threes. He answered with the following quote:
“I like 3’s. I like math. I like open 3’s.”
Mazzulla’s mentality has contributed to Boston leading the league in three-point attempts over the past three seasons, averaging 44.4 per game. The Boston Celtic’s mentality and the offensive system indicate that they should prioritize keeping Simons long-term. Boston can easily open up cap space by moving other players.
For instance, Boston should move on from Brown as the Celtics’ offensive system put the greater spotlight on one of his weaknesses. Brown has been an average three-point shooter throughout his career. He has shot 35% on six attempts per game.
Given the Celtics’ mentality, I would rather keep Simons, who is a significantly better shorter, and trade Brown for young players or draft picks.
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