Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Anfernee Simons is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Born on June 8, 1999, in Longwood, Florida, Simons became one of the league’s most talented young scoring guards after being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 NBA Draft. Beyond his basketball achievements, his family has played an essential role in his development, particularly his parents, Charles and Tameka Simons, who supported his ambitions from childhood.
Anfernee Simons’s family includes his father, Charles Simons, his mother, Tameka Simons, and an older sister whose name has not been reliably disclosed. His romantic life has also attracted attention because of his relationship with model and social media personality Aaleeyah Petty. The couple welcomed a son named Ace Simons on February 11, 2024. Simons has not publicly confirmed being married, and the current status of his relationship with Petty has not been definitively established.
Who Is Anfernee Simons’s Girlfriend?
Aaleeyah Petty is the American model, social media personality, and entrepreneur who has been publicly identified as Anfernee Simons’s girlfriend and the mother of his son.
Born on July 3, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, Petty developed a substantial following on social media through fashion, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle content.
She has collaborated with clothing and lifestyle brands, including Fashion Nova, and has worked in the interior design industry.
According to an October 2024 report published by EssentiallySports, Petty owns an interior design business called AP Home Decor & Interiors.
Her relationship with Simons became a subject of public interest in 2023, when reports emerged that the couple were expecting a child together.
Although they generally avoided providing detailed public accounts of their relationship, photographs shared through social media connected the basketball player with Petty’s pregnancy announcement.
Following the birth of their son in February 2024, Petty shared additional family photographs that included Simons.
By June 2025, publications including ComingSoon and Players Bio were describing the couple as being in a romantic relationship.
In January 2026, The Times of India also identified Petty as Simons’s partner.
However, the couple have not provided a sufficiently clear public update establishing whether they remain romantically involved as of October 2026.
Therefore, Petty is best described as Simons’s publicly reported partner and the mother of his child, rather than assuming that their current relationship status has been definitively confirmed.
How Did Anfernee Simons and Aaleeyah Petty Meet?
The exact circumstances surrounding Anfernee Simons and Aaleeyah Petty’s first meeting have not been publicly established.
Although some entertainment publications suggest that the two began dating around 2023, there is no reliable firsthand account confirming when their romantic relationship officially started.
Reports indicate that they appeared together in social media content before announcing the birth of their son.
In November 2023, Petty shared photographs from a baby shower celebrating her second pregnancy.
The decorations reportedly featured the Simons surname, and viewers identified Anfernee in photographs from the celebration.
The announcement generated public interest because both Simons and Petty had generally maintained privacy regarding their romantic relationship.
As their son grew older, Petty began sharing additional photographs of family celebrations and moments involving the children.
Is Anfernee Simons Married to Aaleeyah Petty?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Anfernee Simons is married to Aaleeyah Petty.
The NBA guard has not publicly announced a wedding, and established reporting does not identify a verified marriage date.
Although the couple share a child, parenthood does not necessarily establish that they are married.
Consequently, Aaleeyah Petty should not be described as Simons’s wife without further confirmation.
How Many Children Does Anfernee Simons Have?
Anfernee Simons has one publicly reported biological child, a son named Ace Simons.
Ace was born on February 11, 2024, according to reports based on announcements shared by his mother, Aaleeyah Petty.
The child’s arrival marked an important new chapter in Simons’s personal life as he continued his professional basketball career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Petty also has an older son named Brenton from a previous relationship. However, Brenton should not be confused with Simons’s biological son.
Ace Simons – Anfernee Simons’s Son
Ace Simons was born on February 11, 2024, to Anfernee Simons and Aaleeyah Petty.
Petty reportedly announced his birth through Instagram shortly before the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend.
She subsequently shared photographs of the newborn with family members, including Simons and Ace’s older maternal half-brother, Brenton.
In March 2024, photographs reportedly showed Anfernee holding his infant son, offering a glimpse into his new role as a father.
The family received additional attention in February 2025, when Petty shared photographs celebrating Ace’s first birthday.
Although Simons is widely recognized for his basketball career, he has generally avoided discussing his son’s private life in detail during major sports interviews.
Consequently, most publicly available information about Ace comes from photographs and announcements shared by his mother.
As of October 2026, Ace is two years old and remains the only child publicly identified as Anfernee Simons’s biological son.
Who Is Brenton, Aaleeyah Petty’s Older Son?
Brenton is Aaleeyah Petty’s older son and the maternal half-brother of Ace Simons.
He was born in 2019, several years before Petty welcomed Ace.
Published reports have identified NBA player Brandon Ingram as Brenton’s father.
Because Brenton is Petty’s child from a previous relationship, he should not be described as Anfernee Simons’s biological son.
Nevertheless, photographs shared by Petty have featured Brenton and Ace together, showing the relationship between the two brothers.
In June 2024, she shared pictures of both boys wearing matching outfits.
Those photographs attracted attention from basketball fans because of the family’s connections to NBA players.
However, there is insufficient public information to establish the precise nature of Simons’s parental or caregiving relationship with Brenton.
Who Are Anfernee Simons’s Parents?
Anfernee Simons’s parents are Charles Simons and Tameka Simons.
The couple raised their children in the Orlando metropolitan area of Florida.
Both were basketball enthusiasts and supported the Orlando Magic during the 1990s.
Their passion for the team influenced their son’s name, which was inspired by former Magic star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.
Charles and Tameka played complementary roles in their son’s development, with Charles emphasizing basketball training and discipline while Tameka provided emotional support and encouragement.
Anfernee Simons’s Father: Charles Simons
Charles Simons is Anfernee Simons’s father and the person most directly responsible for introducing him to basketball.
Charles began teaching his son fundamental skills when Anfernee was still a very young child.
In an interview published by Dime and Uproxx, Tameka recalled that Charles encouraged Anfernee to dribble with both hands when he was approximately two or three years old.
As his son became older, Charles introduced more advanced techniques, including pick-and-roll situations, floaters, and offensive decision-making.
Although he recognized Anfernee’s talent, Charles initially focused on helping him earn an athletic college scholarship rather than planning for an immediate NBA career.
His approach emphasized discipline and repetition, particularly during youth basketball competitions.
How Charles Simons Coached His Son
Charles Simons also coached Anfernee during parts of his youth basketball career.
His coaching style was demanding, and he regularly challenged his son to improve his defensive effort and decision-making.
In an October 2025 interview with The Athletic, published through NBA.com, Charles acknowledged that he was sometimes particularly strict with Anfernee.
When his son failed to return on defense or forced difficult shots, Charles sometimes removed him from games.
The decisions occasionally created disagreements with Tameka, who believed Charles was being too demanding.
Nevertheless, both parents shared the objective of helping their son become a disciplined and confident player.
Anfernee later explained that his father’s demanding approach helped him become comfortable receiving criticism from professional coaches.
By the time he reached the NBA, he was accustomed to being challenged during training sessions and games.
Those experiences helped him respond positively to coaches who emphasized accountability and defensive effort.
Charles Simons’s Relationship With Anfernee
Beyond basketball training, Charles maintained a close relationship with his son.
When Anfernee was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 NBA Draft, Charles planned to relocate to Oregon to help him adjust to professional basketball.
During Simons’s introductory press conference, he explained that his father would probably live with him while his mother and sister traveled between Florida and Portland.
The arrangement allowed Anfernee to remain close to his family during the transition from high school basketball to the NBA.
According to Sports Illustrated, both parents eventually spent considerable time in Portland to support him during his rookie season.
Charles continued offering basketball advice while allowing Anfernee to learn from experienced professional players such as Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
In later interviews, Anfernee credited his father’s demanding coaching with helping him develop the mentality necessary to handle the challenges of an NBA career.
Anfernee Simons’s Mother: Tameka Simons
Tameka Simons is Anfernee Simons’s mother and one of the most important people in his personal life.
She raised Anfernee in the Orlando area alongside her husband Charles and their daughter.
Although Charles was closely involved in basketball training, Tameka played an equally important role in supporting her son’s ambitions.
Her approach was generally more protective and encouraging, especially when Charles became particularly strict during youth games.
According to The Athletic’s October 2025 interview, Tameka sometimes sent messages to her husband asking him to put Anfernee back into games after he had been substituted.
She also encouraged Charles to recognize when his coaching became excessively demanding.
For Anfernee, her involvement provided balance during his early development.
How Tameka Simons Supported Her Son’s NBA Dream
Tameka Simons supported Anfernee through his high school career and his decision to pursue a professional basketball pathway without attending college.
After graduating from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Anfernee enrolled at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for a postgraduate year.
The arrangement allowed him to continue developing his basketball abilities while becoming eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft.
The decision was unusual because most highly rated American prospects entered college basketball before beginning professional careers.
However, Charles and Tameka believed their son had the maturity and ability to pursue the opportunity.
When Portland selected Anfernee with the 24th overall pick, Tameka was among the relatives celebrating his achievement.
In a subsequent Uproxx interview, she recalled the anxiety she experienced during draft night and the relief she felt when the Trail Blazers announced his selection.
The moment confirmed that the family’s decision to pursue the unconventional route had succeeded.
During his first NBA season, Tameka continued traveling to Portland and offering encouragement.
Simons later explained that although he spent considerable time with his father discussing basketball, he frequently spoke with his mother about everyday matters.
Why Was Anfernee Simons Named After Penny Hardaway?
One of the most interesting facts about Anfernee Simons’s family is the story behind his first name.
His parents, Charles and Tameka, were fans of the Orlando Magic during the 1990s.
At the time, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was one of the franchise’s most recognizable players.
Hardaway was selected in the 1993 NBA Draft and quickly became known for his athleticism, ball-handling, and scoring ability.
His performances helped Orlando become one of the leading teams in the Eastern Conference.
Because Charles and Tameka admired the player, they decided to name their son Anfernee.
The decision later gained additional significance when Simons developed into an outstanding basketball prospect himself.
Years later, he had the opportunity to work with Penny Hardaway during a USA Basketball training camp.
For the family, the experience created an unusual connection between the player who inspired their son’s name and the young athlete pursuing his own basketball ambitions.
Does Anfernee Simons Have Siblings?
Yes. Anfernee Simons has at least one sister, whom he mentioned during his introductory press conference with the Portland Trail Blazers in June 2018.
In that interview, Simons explained that his father planned to move to Portland while his mother and sister would travel between Portland and Florida.
A 2023 feature published by Dime and Uproxx also confirmed that he has a sister.
However, her name has not been reliably identified through major sports interviews or official NBA biographies.
Anfernee Simons’s Older Sister
Several secondary biographies describe Anfernee Simons as having an older sister.
The family relationship is supported by Simons’s own public statements and interviews with people close to him.
Although she has generally remained outside the spotlight, she was part of the family’s support network during his transition to the NBA.
When Simons was drafted in 2018, he indicated that his sister would likely visit him in Portland while continuing to maintain connections to Florida.
Another indication of their close relationship appeared in a feature published by Dime and Uproxx.
During a visit to Simons’s home in Oregon, the publication reported that he had tattoos featuring portraits of his mother, father, and sister.
The tattoos reflected the importance he placed on family relationships and preserving connections to his upbringing.
Although his sister is clearly an important member of his family, reliable information about her name, occupation, education, and personal relationships remains limited.
Does Anfernee Simons Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation identifying a brother of Anfernee Simons.
His official NBA biography names his parents without providing a complete sibling list.
Public interviews have confirmed a sister, but they have not established that he has a brother.
Therefore, his sister is the only sibling who can be identified with confidence from the available reporting.
Anfernee Simons’s Grandparents and Extended Family
Anfernee Simons also maintains strong connections with his grandparents and extended relatives in Florida.
One of the most influential people in his life was his maternal grandfather, Jake Carter.
His grandmother and cousins also played important roles in his childhood in the Orlando area.
Jake Carter – Anfernee Simons’s Grandfather
Jake Carter was Anfernee Simons’s maternal grandfather and an important source of emotional support throughout his basketball career.
According to reporting by The Athletic, published through Blazer’s Edge in January 2022, Carter was the father of Tameka Simons.
He maintained a particularly close relationship with Anfernee, who was reportedly his only grandson.
As his grandson developed into a professional basketball player, Carter became one of his most enthusiastic supporters.
Tameka recalled that her father frequently wore Portland Trail Blazers clothing as a way of demonstrating pride in Anfernee’s achievements.
His support remained important even though the family lived in Florida while Simons played professionally in Oregon.
What Happened to Anfernee Simons’s Grandfather?
Jake Carter died on January 2, 2022, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His death occurred during Anfernee Simons’s fourth NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to NBA.com and The Athletic, Simons was able to visit his grandfather in Florida shortly before he died.
He subsequently returned to Portland, where he learned of Carter’s passing.
The loss was emotionally difficult because of the close relationship they had maintained.
Nevertheless, Simons decided to participate in Portland’s next game, believing that his grandfather would have wanted him to continue playing.
Anfernee Simons’s Emotional 43-Point Tribute to His Grandfather
On January 3, 2022, Anfernee Simons delivered one of the most memorable performances of his NBA career.
Playing against the Atlanta Hawks, he scored a then career-high 43 points and made nine three-pointers.
His performance helped Portland secure a 136–131 victory despite a 56-point effort from Atlanta star Trae Young.
After the game, Simons revealed that his grandfather had died the previous day.
He explained that he wanted to dedicate the performance to Carter, describing the achievement as a tribute to someone who had supported him throughout his life.
The emotional interview attracted attention across the NBA community.
According to NBA.com, Simons became the youngest Trail Blazers player to score more than 40 points in a regular-season game.
For the family, however, the performance was more meaningful because of its connection to Carter’s memory.
In the years since, the game has remained one of the defining moments of Simons’s career.
Anfernee Simons’s Grandmother and Cousins
Anfernee Simons has also discussed the importance of his grandmother and cousins during childhood.
In an interview published by NBA.com in 2025, he explained that his grandmother’s home remained one of his favorite places to visit whenever he returned to Orlando.
His cousins lived nearby, making the neighborhood an important gathering place for family activities.
During childhood, the cousins regularly played games and basketball together in the street.
Those informal competitions helped Simons develop a love for the sport while strengthening family relationships.
Even after reaching the NBA, he maintained connections with his cousins, who continued attending games and supporting his professional achievements.
His comments demonstrated that extended family relationships remained important despite the demands of traveling and competing professionally.
How Anfernee Simons’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Anfernee Simons’s journey to the NBA began in the Orlando area, where basketball was already an important part of his family’s life.
His father introduced him to the game during early childhood, while his mother encouraged his continued participation.
Growing up near the home of the Orlando Magic also exposed him to a strong professional basketball culture.
He attended Edgewater High School in Orlando, where he developed into one of the most talented young basketball prospects in Florida.
During his high school career, Simons demonstrated impressive scoring ability, particularly from three-point range.
He eventually became recognized as one of the leading prospects in the 2018 recruiting class.
Although he initially committed to the University of Louisville, changes within the college basketball program led him to reconsider his plans.
Rather than immediately enrolling at another university, Simons completed a postgraduate year at IMG Academy.
The decision allowed him to continue developing physically and technically while preparing for professional basketball.
Throughout the process, Charles and Tameka remained closely involved.
Their encouragement was especially important because Simons was pursuing a pathway that relatively few American prospects had successfully followed.
How Anfernee Simons Entered the NBA Without Playing College Basketball
After completing his postgraduate year at IMG Academy, Anfernee Simons declared for the 2018 NBA Draft.
Although he had not played college basketball, he satisfied the league’s eligibility requirements because he had graduated from high school and reached the required age.
The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 24th overall pick on June 21, 2018.
His selection represented a major achievement for a player who had chosen an unconventional route toward the NBA.
After the draft, his parents helped him adjust to life in Oregon.
According to Sports Illustrated, Charles and Tameka spent considerable time in Portland during his early career, providing support while he adapted to professional basketball.
Simons also benefited from the mentorship of Damian Lillard, who helped him understand the demands of playing guard in the NBA.
Over time, he developed greater confidence and established himself as an important member of Portland’s backcourt.
Anfernee Simons’s Breakthrough With the Portland Trail Blazers
Anfernee Simons spent seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers between 2018 and 2025.
During that period, he developed from a young reserve into one of the team’s leading scorers.
In 2021, he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first player in Trail Blazers history to claim the award.
His offensive production increased significantly during the following seasons.
During the 2021–22 season, he averaged 17.3 points and 3.9 assists per game.
His performances earned him a four-year contract extension worth approximately $100 million in July 2022.
He subsequently developed into Portland’s primary scoring guard, averaging 21.1 points during the 2022–23 campaign and 22.6 points during the 2023–24 season.
Throughout those years, Simons frequently credited his family and mentors for helping him maintain confidence and discipline.
Anfernee Simons’s Moves to Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia
In June 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to trade Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics as part of a deal involving Jrue Holiday.
He officially joined Boston in July 2025 and spent part of the 2025–26 season with the Celtics.
During his time in Boston, he worked under head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose demanding coaching style reminded him of the lessons he learned from his father.
In February 2026, Simons was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a deal involving Nikola Vučević.
He finished the season with Chicago before entering free agency.
On July 6, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers officially signed Simons to a two-year contract reportedly worth $12.3 million.
The agreement brought him to a roster featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and VJ Edgecombe.
According to NBA.com, Simons averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 55 appearances with Boston and Chicago during the 2025–26 season.
As of October 2026, he is preparing for his first regular season with Philadelphia.
His continued professional success reflects the foundation established by his parents during his childhood in Florida.
Anfernee Simons’s Foundation and Family Values
Beyond basketball, Anfernee Simons has used his professional success to support young people and disadvantaged communities.
In July 2020, he established the Be A Light Foundation, a charitable organization focused on education, mentorship, and youth development.
The foundation supports children and young adults facing financial and social challenges, particularly in Portland and his hometown of Orlando.
Its activities have included scholarships, youth basketball events, holiday programs, and community assistance initiatives.
In March 2025, Simons received the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for his charitable contributions.
According to his official Philadelphia 76ers biography, his community activities included scholarships for 24 students and support for mental health initiatives.
He also received the Trail Blazers’ Maurice Lucas Award and the Bill Walton Community Impact Award in recognition of his service.
His commitment to community work reflects the importance he places on giving younger generations opportunities to succeed.
As a father himself, Simons has entered a new stage of personal life while continuing the values of responsibility and encouragement that shaped his own upbringing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anfernee Simons’s Family
Who is Anfernee Simons’s girlfriend?
Anfernee Simons has been publicly linked to Aaleeyah Petty, an American model and social media personality. They share a son named Ace, although their current romantic relationship status has not been definitively confirmed.
Is Anfernee Simons married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Anfernee Simons is married or has a wife.
Does Anfernee Simons have children?
Yes. Anfernee Simons has one publicly reported biological child, a son named Ace Simons, born on February 11, 2024.
Who is Anfernee Simons’s son?
His son is Ace Simons, whom he welcomed with Aaleeyah Petty in February 2024.
How old is Anfernee Simons’s son?
Ace Simons was born on February 11, 2024, making him two years old as of October 2026.
Who is the mother of Anfernee Simons’s child?
The mother of his son Ace is Aaleeyah Petty, a model, social media personality, and entrepreneur.
Is Brenton Anfernee Simons’s son?
No. Brenton is Aaleeyah Petty’s older son from a previous relationship. He is the maternal half-brother of Ace Simons.
Who is Anfernee Simons’s mother?
His mother is Tameka Simons, who supported his basketball development and helped him adjust to the demands of professional sports.
Who is Anfernee Simons’s father?
His father is Charles Simons, who introduced him to basketball as a young child and coached him during his youth.
Does Anfernee Simons have siblings?
Yes. Anfernee Simons has at least one sister, whom he mentioned during his 2018 introductory press conference with the Portland Trail Blazers.
What is Anfernee Simons’s sister’s name?
His sister’s name has not been reliably established through official NBA biographies or major sports interviews.
Does Anfernee Simons have a brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Anfernee Simons has a brother.
Who is Anfernee Simons’s grandfather?
His maternal grandfather was Jake Carter, who died from pancreatic cancer on January 2, 2022.
Why did Anfernee Simons dedicate his 43-point game to his grandfather?
Simons scored 43 points against the Atlanta Hawks on January 3, 2022, one day after his grandfather Jake Carter died. He dedicated the performance to Carter’s memory.
Why is Anfernee Simons named Anfernee?
His parents named him after former Orlando Magic star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway because they were fans of the basketball player.
Where is Anfernee Simons’s family from?
Anfernee Simons and his family are from the Orlando metropolitan area in Florida, United States.
What is Anfernee Simons’s full name?
His full name is Anfernee Tyrik Simons. He was born on June 8, 1999.
Which NBA team does Anfernee Simons play for?
As of October 2026, Anfernee Simons plays for the Philadelphia 76ers after signing a two-year contract in July 2026.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
