Anfernee Simons always had it within him to become a reliable defender. At six-foot-three, he never had the built-in excuse that diminutive guards like Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker had. He also has a six-foot-seven wingspan and impressive foot speed.
At training camp, the eighth-year guard shared that he was eager to change his reputation and prove that he's a winning player. For Simons to actualize that, he had to become more engaged on defense.
Doing so, while working closely with Boston Celtics assistant coach Ross McMains, has helped him blossom into a two-way player.