Simons Reflects on Portland Return; Holiday, Brown, Gonzalez Headline Celtics Updates
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Anfernee Simons admitted it felt “a little weird” to walk into Moda Center as a visiting player Sunday night. The guard, who spent his first seven NBA seasons with the Trail Blazers, was back in Portland for the first time since Boston acquired him in an offseason cost-cutting trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Pacific Northwest.
“Being a visitor and going to the opposing locker room, coming out of the other tunnel … it was fun embracing the moment and the love, knowing you made an impact here,” Simons said.
The 26-year-old is adjusting to a new role with the Celtics. After three seasons as a full-time starter in Portland, he now comes off the bench as Boston’s sixth man, averaging 12.8 points in 23.5 minutes a night. Simons, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension with the Blazers in 2022, said his trade was a reminder that “it’s a business at the end of the day.”
Holiday understood financial squeeze
Holiday told The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn he was not surprised when Boston moved his $32.4 million salary to reduce payroll pressure. “When you look at the business side, you kind of know changes are going to happen,” the veteran guard said. Holiday will earn $34.8 million next season.
Brown matches Bird’s 30-point streak
Jaylen Brown poured in 37 points Sunday, extending his run of 30-point outings to nine games. The streak ties Larry Bird’s franchise record. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury, Brown is averaging a career-best 29.7 points per game.
Rookie Gonzalez impressing early
In a MassLive mailbag, Brian Robb highlighted the rapid progress of 19-year-old forward Hugo Gonzalez. After limited minutes with Real Madrid last season, the Spanish rookie has quickly carved out a rotation spot in Boston.
Robb also noted that Neemias Queta’s strong play could make the Celtics hesitant to invest heavily in a center before the trade deadline. Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe was mentioned as a potential low-cost target if Boston seeks additional frontcourt depth.
Source: Hoops Rumors
