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Do Simons and Niang fit the Boston Celtics system?

How Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang Could Elevate the Boston Celtics' Roster

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, where roster construction is as much an art as it is a science, the Boston Celtics stand as the reigning champions, fresh off a dominant title run. Yet, even with a core that includes stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday, the front office led by Brad Stevens is always on the lookout for pieces that can enhance depth, versatility, and long-term sustainability. A recent analysis dives deep into two intriguing players—Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers and Georges Niang, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers—who could potentially slot into the Celtics' system, offering unique skills that align with Boston's high-octane, defense-first identity. This exploration isn't just about hypothetical trades; it's about fit, chemistry, and how these additions could help the Celtics defend their crown in a league that's getting more competitive by the day.

Let's start with Anfernee Simons, the 25-year-old sharpshooting guard who's been turning heads in Portland since being drafted in 2018. Simons has evolved from a raw prospect into a dynamic scoring threat, capable of lighting up scoreboards with his quick release and deep range. In a league where three-point shooting is paramount, Simons embodies the modern guard archetype. His ability to create off the dribble, combined with a silky smooth jumper, makes him a potential game-changer off the bench or even as a starter in certain matchups. For the Celtics, who already boast elite perimeter defenders in Holiday and Derrick White, Simons could provide that offensive spark without sacrificing too much on the other end. Imagine him coming off screens set by Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford, pulling up from 30 feet and forcing defenses to stretch thin. This isn't mere speculation; Simons' scoring prowess was on full display in recent seasons, where he averaged impressive points per game while showcasing improved playmaking.

But fit goes beyond raw talent. The Celtics' system under head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and defensive switches. Simons, with his quickness and basketball IQ, could thrive in this environment. He's not just a volume shooter; he's shown flashes of being a willing passer, which would mesh well with Boston's egalitarian offense. One potential concern is his size—at 6'3", he's not the biggest guard—but the Celtics have mitigated similar issues with players like White, who compensates with tenacity and positioning. A trade for Simons would likely involve packaging assets like draft picks or expiring contracts, given Portland's ongoing rebuild around young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. The Blazers might be motivated to move Simons to clear cap space or acquire pieces that better fit their timeline, making this a realistic scenario for Boston, who have the trade exceptions and future picks to make it happen.

Shifting gears to Georges Niang, the 31-year-old forward brings a different flavor to the table. Known affectionately as "The Minivan" for his unassuming yet reliable style, Niang has carved out a niche as a stretch big who can knock down threes and provide veteran leadership. His journey through the league—from undrafted out of Iowa State to stints with the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and now Cleveland—has honed him into a player who excels in spacing the floor and making smart plays. For the Celtics, who value floor-spacing bigs to complement their star wings, Niang could be an ideal depth piece behind Porzingis and Horford, both of whom are aging and injury-prone.

Niang's shooting is his calling card; he's a career 40% three-point shooter on decent volume, which would open up driving lanes for Tatum and Brown. Picture him in Boston's offense, spotting up in the corner or popping after a screen, forcing defenses to respect his range. But he's more than just a shooter—Niang has developed into a crafty post player with good footwork and the ability to draw fouls. Defensively, while not elite, he's serviceable in schemes that emphasize help and rotations, which is exactly what Mazzulla preaches. His experience in high-stakes playoff games, including deep runs with the Jazz and Sixers, would add intangible value to a locker room that's already championship-caliber but could benefit from more vocal leaders.

Integrating Niang into the Celtics wouldn't require a massive overhaul. He could slide into the role vacated by players like Sam Hauser in certain lineups, providing a bigger body with similar shooting touch. Trade-wise, Niang's contract is team-friendly, making him an attractive target for Boston's limited cap space. The Cavaliers, potentially retooling around Donovan Mitchell, might be open to moving him for younger assets or picks, aligning with the Celtics' arsenal of future draft capital. This move would also address Boston's need for frontcourt depth, especially with Horford entering his late 30s and Porzingis' history of durability issues.

Now, envisioning a world where both Simons and Niang join the Celtics paints an even more compelling picture. Simons could energize the second unit, pairing with Payton Pritchard to form a high-scoring backcourt duo that keeps the pressure on even when the starters rest. Niang, meanwhile, would bolster the frontcourt rotation, allowing Mazzulla to experiment with small-ball lineups or traditional sets. Together, they address two key areas: perimeter scoring and interior spacing, without disrupting the core chemistry that led to last season's title.

Of course, no potential acquisition is without risks. For Simons, the question is whether he can adapt to a reduced role in Boston, where touches are distributed among multiple stars. He's been a primary option in Portland, and transitioning to a supporting cast member could test his ego and efficiency. Similarly, Niang's defensive limitations might be exposed against elite wings in the playoffs, though Boston's system has a way of masking individual weaknesses through collective effort.

Broader implications for the Celtics' strategy come into play here. Stevens has built a reputation for savvy moves, from acquiring Holiday to signing Derrick White—decisions that prioritize fit over flash. Pursuing Simons and Niang would continue that trend, focusing on players who enhance the existing framework rather than overhaul it. In a Eastern Conference loaded with threats like the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers, maintaining depth is crucial. The Knicks' addition of Mikal Bridges and the Sixers' signing of Paul George underscore the arms race, making it imperative for Boston to evolve.

From a fan perspective, these moves would inject excitement into the roster. Simons' athleticism and highlight-reel dunks would add flair, while Niang's blue-collar work ethic resonates with Boston's gritty identity. Financially, the Celtics are navigating the second apron of the luxury tax, so any trades would need to be precise, perhaps involving outgoing players like Jaden Springer or Neemias Queta to balance the books.

Ultimately, the allure of Simons and Niang lies in their potential to make an already great team even better. Simons brings youth and upside, a guard who could grow into a cornerstone if developed right. Niang offers reliability and experience, a plug-and-play veteran who knows how to win. As the offseason unfolds, with free agency and the draft in the rearview, the trade market heats up. Will the Celtics pull the trigger? Only time will tell, but the fit is undeniable. In a league where championships are won on the margins, these two could be the difference-makers that keep the Larry O'Brien Trophy in Boston for years to come.

This analysis underscores a key truth in the NBA: success isn't just about superstars; it's about the right supporting cast. For the Celtics, Simons and Niang represent calculated risks with high rewards, potentially solidifying their status as a dynasty in the making. As training camps approach, all eyes will be on Stevens and company to see if they make the moves that could define the next era of Celtics basketball. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Celtics Wire Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/simons-niang-fit-boston-celtics-203020216.html ]