""I was super excited," Simons said at Celtics Media Day on Monday when asked about finding out about the trade. "This was an opportunity that I'd been waiting for. And obviously be a part of this organization that's historic, and everybody talks about it, but actually being in it is different." One big part of Holiday's skillset that Simons has lacked is on the defensive end. Holiday was usually matched up against the opponent's best scorer, and would take the challenge head-on."
""It's just a matter of if I want to do it or not," Simons said regarding his defense. "Coming into a culture like this, you have to be able to adapt or you're not going to be in the position that you want to be in. Whether it's playing or not playing." Simons admits that his defense primarily comes down to effort, as he has the athleticism to be solid on that end."
Anfernee Simons was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Boston Celtics and expressed excitement about joining a historic organization. Simons expects to contribute to winning at the highest level and is prepared to accept a role that fits the team. Defensive improvement is a major focus because Simons ranked among the league's poorer defenders last season and Boston lost elite defender Jrue Holiday. Simons says his defense comes down to effort and adaptation to the Celtics' culture, and coach Joe Mazzulla offered encouragement while emphasizing the work needed to get better on that end. Playing less as a primary scorer makes defensive effort key to his role and minutes.
Read at Boston.com
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