Jaylen Brown은 빅 나이트 이후 셀틱스 가드에 대해 무의식적으로 인정합니다.

Anfernee Simons는 Boston Celtics에서 자신의 가치를 계속해서 증명하고 있습니다. FA는 39득점을 기록해 조 마젤라의 팀이 마이애미 히트를 상대로 119-114로 승리하며 2연패를 기록하는 데 도움을 주었습니다.

Celtics에서 느린 출발을 보인 Simons는 6번째 시즌을 맞이했습니다. 이제 그들은 스포츠를 연구할 때 믿을 수 있는 좌절의 원천이 되고 있습니다.

Boston의 최근 승리 이후 기자들과의 인터뷰에서 Jaylen Brown은 Simons가 2라운드에서 그의 경력 중 최고가 될 수 있다고 인정했습니다.

“That was an amazing performance off the bench,” Brown said. “That was one of his best performances of the year, and we needed every basket…Yeah, I said it. That boy can play. He’s probably more talented than the role that he’s placed in. You know, I think that’s kind of obvious.”

Brown continued.

“I have hella respect for him to come out and play winning basketball and do what the team needs to do on a night-in and night-out basis, doesn’t complain, just brings good energy. And just contributes in a positive way…He’s learning, he’s growing, he’s coming into his own, he’s developing. Tonight was an example of that.” 

Simons ended the game against Miami with 39 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He shot 13-of-28 from the field, including 7-of-16 from three-point range and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Celtics Reporter Believes Simons Could Be a Closer

When speaking via CLNS Media’s “The Garden Report” postgame show, Celtics reporter Bobby Manning was asked whether Payton Pritchard should be the automatic starter, given the recent production from Simons.

While Manning believes Pritchard’s role in the starting unit is locked up, he does believe that Simons offensive ability could open the door for him to be part of closing lineups, when the flow of the game calls for it.

“My stance all season has been, and I don’t think it’s changed. Pritchard should start because the success that starting group has had for a lot of this season, even if he individually hasn’t had maybe the season up to his standards,” Manning said. “But through the course of a game, through the flow of a game, Pritchard should not be the automatic closer.”

Simons’ ability to create his own shots, work off the catch, and put up buckets in bunches would make him a viable option when looking to close out games with an offensive punch.

The Celtics Have A Decision To Make Over Simons

Simons is in the final year of his current four-year $100 million contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Since joining the Celtics, Simons has been viewed as a logical trade candidate ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. However, given his recent performances, Boston may choose to keep him around until the end of the season.

If Brad Stevens wants to keep Simons long-term, he will need to begin negotiating in the near future. The score-first guard is currently overpaid on his current deal. But, if the Celtics can find an agreeable middle ground during negotiations, it could make sense to keep Simons around and maintain his scoring boost off the bench.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor