As the Boston Celtics prepare for the upcoming NBA season, Anfernee Simons is expected to have the most significant impact among the team’s new players, especially with Georges Niang no longer on the roster and Amari Williams and Hugo Gonzalez yet to debut. Simons’ role and performance are drawing attention amid the Celtics’ reshaped lineup.
Ranking Places Simons Above Rookie of the Year
Zach Harper from The Athletic recently published his list of the NBA‘s top 40 shooting guards, ranking Simons 17th overall. This marks a notable achievement as Simons is ranked ahead of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/stephon-castle/”>Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, who was placed 18th. Both players, along with Devin Vassell (20th) and rookie VJ Edgecombe (19th), are grouped in Harper’s tier 5 category.
Harper commented on the tier placement, saying,
“Tier 5 has four guys I really like and think could be star role players either next season or the season after,”
and added,
“Simons could have a brilliant shooting season with Boston. Castle is coming off a Rookie of the Year win but has to fit into the playmaking logjam in San Antonio.”
These remarks highlight the potential Harper sees in Simons, especially within the Celtics’ system.
Comparing Profiles: Stephon Castle and Anfernee Simons
Selected fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Stephon Castle had a strong rookie season averaging 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds across 26.7 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of .428 from the field, .285 from three-point range, and .724 at the free-throw line. His future success may depend on navigating the Spurs’ crowded backcourt.
Meanwhile, Simons, who spent seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, joined Boston in a July trade in exchange for two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. During the 2023-24 season, Simons posted career highs with 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game in 46 contests, though his averages dipped slightly the following year.
In the 2024-25 campaign, Simons averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds over 70 games, while improving his shooting efficiency to a .426 field goal percentage, .363 from three-point range, and .902 from the free-throw line.
What Simons’ Ranking Means for the Celtics and Beyond
Simons’ position among the top shooting guards indicates that he could be a key contributor for Boston this season and in the near future. His ability to outperform the current Rookie of the Year in rankings reflects his growing reputation and potential as a scorer and playmaker. With the Celtics seeking to strengthen their roster, Simons’ development will be an important storyline to watch, especially as he adapts to a new team environment and role.