anfernee simons

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🧑‍🎓 Early Life & High School

  • Born June 8, 1999, in Longwood, Florida

  • Began at Edgewater High: averaged 23.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.2 APG as a senior Brief stint at Montverde Academy, then reclassified and spent a postgraduate year at IMG Academy 

  • Rated a five-star recruit, ranked #7 in the 2018 class 




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🏀 NBA Entry & Career with Portland

  • Declared for the NBA after high school — undrafted out of college.

  • Drafted 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2018 Made his debut on October 30, 2018 

Key seasons:

  • 2018–19: Rookie year (20 games), ~3.8 PPG off bench 

  • 2019–20: Became rotation player — 8.3 PPG, 3.2 APG .

  • 2021–22: First full-time starter — 17.3 PPG, 4.1 APG 

  • 2022–23: Career-best with 21.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, strong shooting splits .

  • 2023–24: Continued excellence at 22.6 PPG, 5.5 APG .

  • 2024–25: Averaged 19.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, 36% 3FG .

ðŸŽŊ Playing Style & Strengths

  • Elite combo guard – can initiate offense or play off-ball.

  • Excellent three-point shooter: career ~38.3% 3FG .

  • High free-throw shooter (around 90%).

  • Quick, crafty off-the-dribble, capable of creating separation.

  • Evolving playmaking and solid defense; shows growth in on-ball pressure and passing.

💞 Contract & Extension

  • In 2022, signed a 4-year, $100M extension with Portland 

  • Set his sights on becoming an All-Star, emphasizing consistency and defense 

🔁 Recent Trade to Boston

  • On June 24, 2025, traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jrue Holiday and draft picks .

  • Celtics acquired him to offset Jayson Tatum’s absence and benefit from his scoring/scoring acumen

  • Offers Boston a high-scoring wing on a one-year deal, beneficial for their current cap and playoff positioning .

📊 Career Stats Overview

  • 7 NBA seasons, over 14.8 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.5 RPG, career 43% FG / 38% 3P .

  • In 2024–25: 19.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.7 RPG, consistent offensive performance .

🔍 Impact & Outlook

  • Grew from an electric bench scorer to a key starter and offensive engine.

  • His combination of scoring, spacing, and playmaking make him a multipurpose linchpin.

  • In Boston, he’ll fill a void as a secondary creator and shooter alongside Jaylen Brown.

  • Likely becomes a free agent next summer – strong season with Boston could elevate his value.

📌 Summary

Anfernee “Ant” Simons has risen from a high school standout to a premier two-way combo guard in the NBA. With strong shooting, playmaking, and improving defense, he carved a key role in Portland and now is poised to make an immediate impact in Boston. His next chapter will determine if he can solidify himself as a long-term star or rotational standout in the league.

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