Green With Envy: A Boston Celtics Podcast

Episode: Anfernee Simons Goes ANFERNO MODE + Why The Celtics Shouldn't Trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.
Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Will and Greg
Guests Referenced: Drew Carter, Mike Gorman (voiceover), various Celtics media personalities

Episode Overview

This episode of Green With Envy recaps the Celtics' dramatic 119-114 road win over the Miami Heat, primarily fueled by Anfernee Simons' breakout performance—dubbed "Anferno Mode." Will and Greg analyze Simons' two-way game, dissect recent struggles, and debate swirling trade rumors, including the controversial idea of trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. The hosts discuss the team's playoff rotation, player development, and what moves (if any) could help Boston secure Banner 19.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Anfernee Simons “Anferno” Game

• Simons’ Impact:
  • Scored 39 points, went 7-of-16 from three.
  • Showed improvement defensively, including a big non-block/play in crunch time.
  • Played over 34 minutes, stepping up as Derrick White and Payton Pritchard struggled.
• Confidence & Versatility:
  • Displayed three-level scoring: attacking the rim, shooting off the dribble, and excelling in both half-court and transition situations.
  • Provided crucial playmaking and timely hustle on defense, which is atypical for Simons.
• Bench Role vs. Starting:
  • Despite calls to insert Simons into the starting lineup, both hosts praised his effectiveness and sixth man potential.
  • Will: “We kind of expected...Jalen Brown is your leading scorer. Anthony Simons is your second. That was what we thought going into the season.” (09:28)

Memorable Quotes

• Greg (on Simons’ leap):

  “Anthony Simons is starting to endear himself to not only you and I, but to entire Boston Celtics nation and potentially NBA trade suitors around the league.” (02:11)

• Will (defensive praise):

  “Tonight there was actual impact...he was doing it on both ends.” (04:53)

2. Celtics Overcome a Slow Start

• First Half Struggles:
  • Celtics trailed by 19; Jalen Brown and Derrick White were ineffective.
• Turnaround Factors:
  • Bench unit’s “energy guys” like Jordan Walsh and Ugo stepped up.
  • Simons ignited the offense in both halves—a rare 48-minute all-around game.
• Resilience:
  • “They brought the energy and brought the Celtics back…at the end of the first quarter, it was just a 10 point game when it could’ve been a blowout.” – Greg (20:46)
• Will on Miami:

  “I think Miami might be the team I hate losing to the most. I hate losing to Miami.” (22:40)

3. Role Player & Center Rotation (Luca Garza, Sam Hauser, Keta)

• Luca Garza:
  • Played strong minutes with offensive rebounding and efficient shooting.
  • Hosts admit they underestimated his capacity for being a playoff contributor.
  • “...he’s starting to be a little more than that...can he be a true rotation guy in the playoffs? It’s something you’re getting closer to being okay with.” – Will (19:24)
• Sam Hauser:
  • Noted for smart decisions and shooting (17 pts, 3-of-8 3PT, 3 reb, 3 ast, 30 minutes).
  • Defensive improvement highlighted as key to team versatility. (23:47)
• Keta:
  • Valued for energy and filling key frontcourt minutes on a minimum salary.

4. Jalen Brown's Slump & Usage

• Post-50 Point Game:
  • Brown has struggled since his career night; hosts debate whether it’s injury, fatigue, or “classic Jalen” inconsistency.
  • “Maybe it’s just fatigue from carrying the team...he doesn’t have the same pop he had.” – Greg (12:48)
  • Possibly tied to knee soreness or role adjustments.

5. Trade Rumors: Why Not Jaren Jackson Jr.?

• Strong Opposition to JJJ Trade:

  • Contract is extremely expensive and escalates in coming years, lasting four years beyond this season.
  • Weaknesses: low rebounding for his size (never over 7 RPG), foul-prone, streaky three-point shooter.
  • Would require sending out Simons and Hauser, which hurts spacing and bench strength.

  • “If you make a move for Jaren Jackson, you are laying the groundwork for a future Derrick White or Jalen Brown trade. That’s what that move does.” – Will (31:16)

• Greg’s Take:

  “I want to find somewhere to purchase more thumbs so I can give it more thumbs down.” (25:53)

• Comparison to Evan Mobley:

  • Would trade for Mobley, not Jackson, due to age/upside differences.

6. Other Trade Scenarios & Roster Considerations

• Robert Williams Reunion:
  • Only makes sense if acquired with a traded player exception (TPE) and assuming Portland just wants to dump him.
  • Too risky to give up cheap, productive contracts like Hauser for an injury-prone player.
  • “If he’s coming in and just playing 8 to 12 minutes a game, sign me up.” – Greg (36:43)
• Big Man Market:
  • Zubac’s contract lauded as best value for a center ($19-20M/yr for two years).
  • Ugo described as “untouchable” in all but superstar deals; hosts see him as a piece who could surprise with his longterm value.
  • Will: “I feel about Ugo the way I felt about the Jays when they were young. I don’t think he has their ceiling, but I want to see it in Boston.” (45:00)
• Anticipation for Trade Deadline:
  • Expectation that “one or two teams are going to make a move they probably shouldn’t” – eg, for JJJ, Lavine, or Kaminga.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro / Heat Game Recap: 00:46 – 02:39
• Simons Goes "Anferno Mode": 02:39 – 10:05
• Simons Bench vs Starter Debate: 10:05 – 11:39
• First Half, Celtics' Struggles & Energy Bench: 12:48 – 15:33
• Luca Garza & Frontcourt Rotation: 16:21 – 19:22
• Hauser Shoutout: 23:47 – 25:11
• Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade Rumor Deep Dive: 25:11 – 33:06
• Mobley Comparison: 32:38 – 33:59
• Rob Williams Reunion Rumor: 34:05 – 38:00
• Zubac, Ugo Valuation, Roster Building: 40:01 – 47:28
• Final Trade Speculation, Ugo as New Neismith?: 48:06 – 47:28
• Wrap-up & Upcoming Games: 48:49 – End

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Anfernee Simons Performance

• “Anthony Simons is starting to endear himself to not only you and I, but to entire Boston Celtics nation and potentially NBA trade suitors around the league.” – Greg (02:11)
• “Tonight there was actual impact [defensively]...he was doing it on both ends.” – Will (04:53)
• “He might be pound for pound the best scorer on the team.” – Greg (07:07)

Trade Talk

• “I want to find somewhere to purchase more thumbs so I can give it more thumbs down [to a Jaren Jackson trade].” – Greg (25:53)
• “If the Celtics make a move for Jaren Jackson, you’re laying the groundwork for a future Derrick White or Jalen Brown trade. That’s gross.” – Will (31:16)
• “Ugo is where I draw the line on somebody like Zubac. But picks, Walsh, Shireman…they’re expendable. Ugo to me is untouchable right now.” – Greg (41:21)

Celtics Culture

• “I think Miami might be the team I hate losing to the most. I hate losing to Miami.” – Will (22:40)
• “I feel about Ugo the way I felt about the Jays when they were young… I want to see it in Boston.” – Will (45:00)

Tone & Style

Conversational, authentic, with a blend of passionate Celtics analysis, self-deprecation, and fan humor. The hosts highlight their biases, willingness to admit when they’re wrong about a player, and love deep dives on value contracts and team culture. They also bring a sense of urgency and realism to the NBA trade rumor landscape.

Summary

This episode is a must-listen for Celtics fans who want to understand not just the highs of Simons’ Anferno performance and a much-needed win, but the calculus behind Boston’s looming trade season. The show breaks down what makes this roster potentially championship ready—and what might break it if the front office gets trade-happy. Will and Greg combine sharp analysis of cap space, player development, and chemistry with spirited banter and a deep appreciation for the team’s journey.