Anferni Simmons isn’t afraid to push
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Over the years, asAnfernee Simmons gained in statistics and importance in the game of the Blazers, paradoxically lost in the collective stakes. He hasn’t played in a single playoff series since 2021…yet he’s had his best seasons in that span.
Therefore, his arrival in Boston this summer must serve as a launch pad for the rediscovery of collective ambitions. But take a step forward individually, because with the absence of Jayson Tatum, they will have opportunities offensively. Even if his coach, who did not hesitate to shout at him during training, is what his coach expects him to be in defense.
The rear part remains indifferent. And with good reason: he grew up with a particularly demanding father. Charles Simmons, his first coach, admits today that he sometimes crossed the line.
“It was probably unreasonable for a child, but I felt like I had to train him hard to navigate complicated environments and cultures.”, now admits.
Breaking Portland’s ‘Bad Habits’
“Very young, at six years old, he was already on my back”Anferna Simmons remembers. “My father taught me to be a coach, even if it wasn’t necessarily intentional. He was so strict with me, he wanted the best from me. So I was able to accept coaching from others, because we take what my father tells us to heart. I understood what he said, not how he said it. The transition was easy when I had other coaches.”
Joe Mazzula’s admonitions therefore do not destabilize him. “I know Joe wants the best for me. It’s easy to take criticism, make things right and move on.”says the former Portland player. “I know I’m going to be pushed like never before.”
Even this new demand, which he no longer had in Portland, should allow him to improve defensively, and generally speaking, become a better player.
“It all starts with attention to detail, presence in every possession. This is where it all starts. When you’re the first offensive option, you can let some actions slip. We apologize because we want to leave you with energy until the end of the match. But that creates bad habits.” now admits. “Here I will have to concentrate on both ends of the pitch, at all times.”
| Anfernee Simmons | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | BI | 20 | 7 | 44.4 | 34.5 | 56.3 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 3.8 |
| 2019-20 | BI | 70 | 21 | 39.9 | 33.2 | 82.6 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 8.3 |
| 2020-21 | BI | 64 | 17 | 41.9 | 42.6 | 80.7 | 0.2 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 7.8 |
| 2021-22 | BI | 57 | 30 | 44.3 | 40.5 | 88.8 | 0.5 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 0.1 | 17.3 |
| 2022-23 | BI | 62 | 35 | 44.7 | 37.7 | 89.4 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 21.1 |
| 2023-24 | BI | 46 | 34 | 43.0 | 38.5 | 91.6 | 0.5 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 5.5 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 0.1 | 22.6 |
| 2024-25 | BI | 70 | 33 | 42.6 | 36.3 | 90.2 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 0.1 | 19.3 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-10-16 13:04:00
