Celtics' Brad Stevens Responds to Result of Jrue Holiday Trade
The Boston Celtics made several moves this offseason, and as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, the roster will look noticeably different with new faces and fresh expectations.
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One of the newest additions is 26-year-old guard Anfernee Simons, who arrived in a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers that sent veteran Jrue Holiday out of Boston in a high-profile deal.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens spoke with the media Tuesday and shared high praise for Simons.
'His ability to score, his ability to shoot the ball and make really tough shots, it's pretty elite,' Stevens said.
Stevens continued, highlighting Simons' upside and potential impact:
'You look at a guy who's 26 and has averaged 20 points per game for three straight years. I think he's a really good player, and I think he can get better.'
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Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins.© Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Simons wrapped up his high school career at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He was just the third high school player since 2015 to be drafted into the NBA. He had originally committed to the University of Louisville but decommitted before ultimately choosing to enter the NBA Draft. After his decommitment, he considered South Carolina, NC State, Tennessee and Florida, but the NBA became his final decision.
Last season, Simons played in 70 games for Portland, averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game. Over 389 career regular-season games, he's averaging 15 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
Simons also appeared in 15 playoff games during Portland's postseason runs from 2018 to 2021, though his role was more limited. He averaged 4.7 points per game in those contests.
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Boston is banking on Simons' offensive skill set as a key part of its new-look backcourt heading into next season. The Celtics hope the addition of a proven scorer like Simons will help them return to the finals and secure another championship run.
Related: Jayson Tatum Reacts to Celtics' New Post on Jrue Holiday After Departure
Related: Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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