In simply two video games with the Celtics, Anfernee Simons has already showcased the scoring prowess that has a lot of his new teammates calling him merely “a bucket.”
Whereas that could be true, these two video games revealed barely completely different variations of Simons as a scorer, and personally, I hope the Celtics proceed to lean into the best way he was utilized in opposition to Cleveland, fairly than the strategy taken within the Toronto recreation.
In Toronto, Simons put collectively a strong outing with 16 factors on 6-of-13 capturing, together with 2-of-7 from three. Nonetheless, he struggled as the first ball-handler beneath constant defensive strain. His three turnovers have been straight attributable to tight on-ball protection, and there have been two further performs the place he misplaced management on account of that very same strain. Whereas I’ll give grace to first-game jitters, what unfolded within the Cleveland recreation supplied a promising counter, one which each eases the strain on him and accelerates his adjustment to the Celtics’ system.
In Toronto, Simons had a 27% utilization fee. Though utilization fee doesn’t all the time equate to those issues, this outing noticed him dribbling the ball up the courtroom extra in opposition to strain and standing at or close to the brand ready for issues to occur. This led to turnovers, but in addition many late clock conditions whereas he was on the market primarily slowing the tempo down (Simons had a 94.7 tempo ranking this recreation).
Whereas Simons clearly has the expertise to attain in stagnant possessions with minimal motion, his efficiency final evening steered that his effectivity will be enhanced. He scored 21 factors with a decrease utilization fee (21%) on 6/12 from the sphere with all of his makes coming from three (6/9). He had one turnover opposed to a few, and his tempo ranking jumped 13.1 to 107.8.
This isn’t a cry to take the ball utterly out of Simons’ palms (as a result of that will be silly), however simply an angel on the shoulder breaking down the actions and performs the place he was capable of get catch-and-shoot alternatives and or take much less time/dribbles to attain.
Even in his first recreation, there have been a number of encouraging performs that hinted at how efficient Simons might be in additional of an off-ball function.
The primary play of his Celtics profession (video rationalization beneath) was “Ram Miami.” To start the play, you see Josh Minott set an off ball for Neemias Queta to set a ball display for Payton Pritchard. That half is the “Ram” motion. Ram = an off ball display for somebody to go set a ball display. Pritchard makes use of the ball display from Queta to provoke a DHO with Simons. Miami = dribble hand off adopted by a ball display. Regardless that he doesn’t make it, he will get an open look.
Subsequent play sees Simons contact the ball fairly a number of instances, however he solely takes two dribbles. Chris Boucher receives a collection of staggered screens and makes use of them to chop to the paint. Celtics have been capable of get good motion between Simons and Xavier Tillman by means of handoffs, which I famous have been a big a part of their offense vs. Memphis. On the final handoff, Simons is ready to take one dribble and get proper to the cup.
Right here is only a sensible play by Queta releasing Simons up with a easy “Flare” display.
Simons obtained extra appears off the catch. 4 of his six made threes have been of that selection.
The primary play encapsulates what I hope Jaylen Brown can do persistently this 12 months. A easy drive from him will draw the protection’s consideration as a rule. Simons is ready to play off him and hit a catch-and-shoot three. He shot 38% from behind the arc in these conditions final season.
Subsequent play is nice work once more by Queta. He catches the defender solely wanting on the ball and units one other good display for Simons to spring free. He shot 42% on open threes final season.
Right here, he’s capable of get one by doing one thing the Celtics have all the time considered as a successful play: nook crash.
Jaylen Brown pushes the tempo as soon as once more, and his drive forces three Cavaliers to the paint. This leaves Simons and Sam Hauser vast open, and Simons hits one other one.
Lastly, Minott does a very good job discovering Simons trailing the play. Nobody will get up on Simons, and he has the vary to knock this down.
At Media Day, Simons was requested concerning the potential shot high quality change he would see taking part in with the Celtics. He responded, “after I discovered I used to be coming right here, I used to be like I can lastly get some vast open photographs on a constant foundation.” And whereas his robust shot making will all the time be helpful, I consider an emphasis on getting him one of the best appears majority of the time will maximize him. The three-6 or 7+ dribble three level makes an attempt he’s able to hitting needs to be the cherry on prime, not the principle course.
