Anfernee Simons grateful for the balance CJ McCollum taught him

Anfernee Simons Appreciates the Balance Taught by CJ McCollum

Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons values the opportunity to demonstrate his development to his mentor CJ McCollum, who played a crucial role in his growth as a player.

Unconventional Path to the NBA

Simons took a non-traditional route to the league. After finishing high school, he opted for a postgraduate year at IMG Academy in Florida instead of attending college. This time away from the spotlight added an element of mystery that contributed to his selection as the 24th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Learning from the Best Mentors

At Portland, Simons joined a backcourt with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, two exceptional mentors. Before facing McCollum’s Washington Wizards at TD Garden, the seven-year NBA veteran reflected on how McCollum’s style influenced his game.

"As much as, obviously, everybody talks about my mentorship with Dame, obviously, and CJ is also a big part of my development, especially as a young player," said Simons. "Just giving that, like kind of balance of both play styles, and so just his shiftiness and his ability to just get to the spots he want to get to, and his craftiness around the rim. I think those are things that I took the most from CJ."
"He's helped me tremendously throughout my career: how to play even when he might not be the most athletic, the fastest, and being able to be effective at the same time. So, I credit him for a lot as well as Dame."

Simons' Takeaway

Simons learned from McCollum how to be crafty and efficient, balancing different playing styles to enhance his own skills.

Summary: Anfernee Simons credits CJ McCollum’s mentorship for teaching him balance and craftiness, helping shape his effective and versatile playing style.

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