Jaylen Brown Makes Candid Admission About Celtics Guard Following Big Night

Anfernee Simons continues to prove his worth to the Boston Celtics. The free-scoring guard dropped 39 points to help Joe Mazzulla’s team snap a two-game losing streak with a 119-114 win over the Miami Heat.

Following a slow start to his Celtics tenure, Simons has found his footing in a sixth-man role. Now, he’s becoming a reliable source of offense when checking into games.

When speaking to the media following Boston’s latest win, Jaylen Brown admitted that Simons may be too talented for his role within the second unit.

“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.

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