Overview

• Coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters he wanted to “nip” attempts to link Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons, calling them “completely different guys.”
• Team president Brad Stevens praised Simons as an electric scorer and said the Celtics will challenge him to be aggressive and to impact the game on both ends.
• Simons said he is excited to join Boston and emphasized “I want to win,” adding that he plans to adapt his role and commit to defensive improvement.
• Recent reporting cited tracking data showing opponents shot 50.5% when guarded by Simons last season versus 44.3% against Pritchard, underscoring Boston’s defensive focus.
• Mazzulla said playing Pritchard and Simons together remains an option, while coverage noted Simons enters camp on the roster with trade speculation lingering due to his roughly $27 million expiring salary.