SHOCKING ANNOUNCEMENT: “THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME HE PLAYS FOR THE BOSTON CELTICS” – Joe Mazzulla Permanently Removes Anfernee Simons from the Team After Heartbreaking Loss to Detroit Pistons
In a stunning postgame development that has rocked the NBA landscape, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla officially announced the permanent removal of guard Anfernee Simons from the roster, declaring that the former Trail Blazers star “will never be called back under any circumstances.” The bombshell came shortly after the Celtics’ agonizing 104-103 defeat to the surging Detroit Pistons on January 19, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena—a game where Boston squandered a late lead and fell short despite a heroic 32-point, 11-rebound effort from All-Star starter Jaylen Brown.
Mazzulla, known for his measured demeanor and focus on culture, did not mince words in his fiery press conference. “This will be the last time he plays for the Boston Celtics,” the coach stated firmly. “Anfernee has repeatedly caused trouble in the locker room, demoralized the team, incited internal conflict, and was the main reason we lost tonight. His actions undermined everything we’ve built. We’re moving on—for good.”
The identity of the player has left fans and analysts stunned: Anfernee Simons, the explosive scoring guard acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade to bolster Boston’s backcourt depth amid Jayson Tatum’s prolonged Achilles recovery. Simons, who averaged 18.7 points per game off the bench this season with flashes of brilliance—including a recent 39-point explosion—had been seen as a key piece in the Celtics’ push for another deep playoff run. Few expected him to be the scapegoat for internal strife.
Sources close to the team reveal that tensions had been simmering for weeks. Simons reportedly clashed with veterans over playing time and shot selection, leading to heated exchanges in the locker room. During the Pistons game, his defensive lapses—particularly in the fourth quarter when Detroit’s Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris exploited mismatches—drew visible frustration from teammates. Brown, who missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer, was seen shaking his head on the bench after several possessions where Simons failed to rotate properly or contest shots aggressively.
The loss dropped Boston to 26-16, placing them behind the East-leading Pistons (now 31-10) in a suddenly competitive Eastern Conference. Pistons forward Tobias Harris led all scorers with 25 points, while Jalen Duren added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Cunningham, fresh off All-Star starter news, contributed 16 points and 14 assists in a gritty performance.
Mazzulla elaborated on the decision: “We preach accountability, unity, and selflessness. When one player consistently disrupts that—through attitude, effort, or words—it affects everyone. Tonight was the breaking point. Anfernee’s poor decision-making on both ends contributed directly to key breakdowns. But more than stats, it’s the poison in the locker room that we can’t tolerate. This team has championship DNA, and we’re protecting it.”
The announcement has ignited a firestorm across NBA circles. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from shock to support for Mazzulla’s bold move. Celtics fans, already reeling from the narrow defeat, largely backed the coach, with hashtags like #ProtectTheLockerRoom and #CultureFirst trending. One viral post read: “Mazzulla just did what needed to be done. Simons was flashy but toxic—good riddance. #GoCeltics”
Critics, however, questioned the timing and severity. Simons, only 26 and in his prime, had shown scoring upside that could have helped offset Tatum’s absence (the superstar remains sidelined indefinitely from last season’s Achilles tear). Some analysts pointed to Boston’s ongoing injury woes—Payton Pritchard (ankle) questionable, Chris Boucher (back) dealing with spasms, and depth issues forcing unusual lineups like Baylor Scheierman at center—as contributing factors to the loss, rather than pinning it solely on one player.
League insiders speculate this could lead to a buyout or trade attempt before the February 5 deadline, though Mazzulla’s “never under any circumstances” stance suggests Boston is done. Simons’ contract, with significant guaranteed money, complicates matters, but the organization appears willing to eat salary to preserve chemistry.
The Celtics now face a critical stretch. Without Simons, the backcourt rotation tightens around Brown, Derrick White (when healthy), and reserves like Pritchard and Sam Hauser. Mazzulla emphasized moving forward: “This hurts, but it’s necessary. Our guys know what’s at stake. We’re focused on the next game, the next practice, the next win. No distractions.”
For a franchise with 18 championships and a culture built on toughness, this move underscores Mazzulla’s commitment to standards. Whether it galvanizes the team or creates more turmoil remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anfernee Simons’ time in green is over—permanently.
As Boston licks its wounds from the heartbreaking Pistons loss, the spotlight shifts to resilience. Can the Celtics rally without their controversial guard? The answer will define their 2025-2026 season.
