Scored 39+8 three-pointers in two games! The 1-for-3 trade was a great success, and Simmons became the best sixth man

The NBA preseason is in full swing. The 30 teams are adjusting their lineups, and every family has its own experience. After Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon and failed to defend the title, the Boston Celtics made a 180-degree turn and embarked on a crazy team-breaking mode. They successively sent away Holiday, Porcelain, and let go of veteran Horford. No matter whether Tatum can return early in the middle of the season, or what the prospects of the Green Army are in the new season, Shi can save the boss $210 million in luxury tax in the new season, which in itself allows the Green Army to "win" at the starting line. Niang, who was exchanged for Porridge, has been sent to the Jazz by President Shi with two second-round picks as a gift. Simmons, who was exchanged for Holiday, was not originally a favorite of the Celtics, but he worked hard with the Celtics and found his correct position again.

Turning the time back to before the draft, the Celtics and Trail Blazers quietly completed a 1-for-3 deal. The Celtics sent Holiday and got Simmons from the Trail Blazers + a 2030 second-round pick (from the Knicks) + a 2031 second-round pick. The Trail Blazers were in the midst of a rebuilding cycle. Not only did they swallow up the "aging and declining" Holiday's $105 million contract for the next three years, but they also used two second-round picks as gifts to send the "young and beautiful" Simmons to the Celtics. It was more compassionate than sending a son to Guanyin, which made thousands of Celtics fans burst into tears.

Simmons is younger and cheaper than Holiday, but for the Celtics, his strong offense and weak defense and good at chaos are not in line with the team's long-term future plans. According to US media, the Celtics tried to put Simmons on the shelf during the offseason and discussed potential trade plans with some teams. However, Mr. Shi does not engage in loss-making transactions. Due to various reasons such as bargaining chips, the transaction was ultimately not concluded. In a sense, Simmons is like a double-edged sword. How to use him is a very particular knowledge. Green Army coach Mazzula can only cross the river by feeling the stones, and he already has some clues.

After the Green Army played two preseason games, Simmons scored 39 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 8 three-pointers in the two games. The shooting rate was 48%, the three-point shooting rate was as high as 50%, and the free throw shooting rate was 100%. Among them, the Greens lost to the Raptors by 2 points. Simmons started 25 minutes, made 6 of 13 shots (2 of 7 three-pointers), 4 of 4 free throws, scored 18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers. The Greens beat the Cavaliers with 31 points. Simmons played 24 minutes off the bench, made 6 of 12 shots (6 of 9 three-pointers), 3 of 3 free throws, 21 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, with a plus-minus value of +15.

Looking at Simmons' performance in the first two preseason games, you have to admit the fact: the Green Army's 3-for-1 trade was a great success. Simmons does have unparalleled scoring explosive power, and plug-and-play can solve the team's urgent needs! But having said that, Simmons needs the ball in his hands. It is difficult to be himself when he is a starter, and his organizational skills are mediocre and he is not qualified for the role of point guard. However, when he is on the bench, he has unlimited firing rights and can unleash his offensive talents to a greater extent. More importantly, Simmons' defensive shortcomings are more likely to be magnified in the starting lineup. Simmons himself said bluntly when talking about playing as a substitute in an interview: I did think a little too much at the beginning, but after I actually started playing, I felt much more comfortable.

Mazzula pointedly pointed out when talking about Simmons' performance: Simmons has elite offensive capabilities and can be aggressive and confrontational on the offensive end. This is what we need him to do, but he must also have corresponding confrontation intensity on the defensive end. The implication: Being able to be both offensive and defensive is the Green Army’s basic requirement for a starter, and Simmons must be mentally prepared to play as a substitute in the new season. In fact, Mazzula has great experience in using the sixth man. Last season, Pritchard served as the sixth man. He scored 255 three-pointers in a single season and was awarded the best sixth man. If Simmons can accept the role of substitute, he can definitely learn from Pritchard and become the best sixth man! Fans and friends, what do you think of this? Come and leave me a comment to discuss.