Anfernee Simons, the Boston Celtics guard, has taken an unconventional path to his current standing in the NBA. Instead of heading directly to college after high school, he opted for a postgraduate year at IMG Academy in Florida. This decision allowed him to train intensively while remaining somewhat under the radar, which ultimately contributed to him being selected 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Upon arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Simons was fortunate to join forces with two significant mentors, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. As he prepared for an upcoming matchup against McCollum’s Washington Wizards at TD Garden, Simons reflected on the invaluable lessons he learned from McCollum, particularly in terms of balancing playstyles.
Simons credited his former teammate with crucial insights during his early career development. “CJ is also a big part of my development, especially as a young player,” he remarked. He noted McCollum’s unique ability to navigate through defenses with shiftiness and craftiness, skills that greatly influenced his own game. “His ability to get to the spots he wants to and his craftiness around the rim—those are things I took the most from CJ.”
Now, at 26 years of age, Simons feels more mature and skilled compared to when he last played alongside McCollum two years prior. Their renewed competition excites him, as he looks forward to showcasing how much he has improved since their time with the Trail Blazers. “When you were a young player, and you felt like he was getting the best of you… it’s good competition to have now,” Simons expressed, emphasizing the enjoyable rivalry and camaraderie that comes with facing McCollum again. “We go out there, compete hard, and just enjoy competing against each other.”
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Simons’ reflections highlight not only his growth as a player but also the importance of mentorship in the NBA. With McCollum now donning the colors of the Washington Wizards, this matchup presents a unique opportunity for Simons to demonstrate the evolution of his game in front of a pivotal figure from his past. The excitement is palpable as both players prepare to hit the court and engage in a battle that intertwines personal growth with athletic competition.
