What Magic Can Jonathan Simmons Bring to the Table?
What Magic Can Jonathan Simmons Bring to the Table?
Written by Kyle Williams on 02 October 2017
Written by Kyle Williams
on 02 October 2017
The Magic signed Jonathan Simmons over the summer, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do.
The Magic signed Jonathan Simmons over the summer, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do.
Orlando has been on the lookout for solid prospects this past summer. They aren't in the respectability levels to attracts stars yet, so they have to go for young bucks with potential. Or lowkey veterans with experience in their back pockets. With Jonathan Simmons, the Magic kind of got both with him.
First, let's go into his history a bit. He went to three different colleges starting in 2008 through 2012. He was never a big name back then but collected some decent stats. He decided to forgo his senior season in Houston to go to the 2012 NBA Draft. Things didn't quite turn out this way, as he was undrafted. That didn't stop his passion for the game, however, because he tried for the Austin Toros from the D-League. He made the roster, created some noise, and later the San Antonio Spurs picked him up and gave him a shot.
Last season, the 28-year-old guard averaged 6.2 points and 2.1 boards for the Spurs. Considering it was only under 17 minutes per game, it's obvious he didn't get a huge chance to shine. However, in the playoffs, he had more attention. Back on May 12 of this year, Kawhi Leonard was hurt, so Simmons replaced him in the starting lineup. Lucky for him, he scored 18 points in a win over the Houston Rockets.
Fast forward to now, he's taken his talent to Magic to make even more noise. He's a very good defender, as well as a solid scorer. Simmons tenacious energy and athletic ability truly make him an obstacle for the other team. Basically, his skill is his versatility. Which is something Orlando needs, and has definitely gotten in Simmons.
His role surely will be expanded with Orlando, contrasting to his Spur days. However, it's not quite clear how he'll be used by head coach Frank Vogel. Simmons could possibly start at the 2 or the 3. Or, he can be the sixth man to boost the bench. With Evan Fournier, Arron Afflalo, and Terrence Ross still on the roster, Simmons will have to prove his worth without a doubt.
So if things go right, and the team clicks, the Magic will definitely be glad they signed this under the radar prospect.
Orlando has been on the lookout for solid prospects this past summer. They aren't in the respectability levels to attracts stars yet, so they have to go for young bucks with potential. Or lowkey veterans with experience in their back pockets. With Jonathan Simmons, the Magic kind of got both with him.
First, let's go into his history a bit. He went to three different colleges starting in 2008 through 2012. He was never a big name back then but collected some decent stats. He decided to forgo his senior season in Houston to go to the 2012 NBA Draft. Things didn't quite turn out this way, as he was undrafted. That didn't stop his passion for the game, however, because he tried for the Austin Toros from the D-League. He made the roster, created some noise, and later the San Antonio Spurs picked him up and gave him a shot.
Last season, the 28-year-old guard averaged 6.2 points and 2.1 boards for the Spurs. Considering it was only under 17 minutes per game, it's obvious he didn't get a huge chance to shine. However, in the playoffs, he had more attention. Back on May 12 of this year, Kawhi Leonard was hurt, so Simmons replaced him in the starting lineup. Lucky for him, he scored 18 points in a win over the Houston Rockets.
Fast forward to now, he's taken his talent to Magic to make even more noise. He's a very good defender, as well as a solid scorer. Simmons tenacious energy and athletic ability truly make him an obstacle for the other team. Basically, his skill is his versatility. Which is something Orlando needs, and has definitely gotten in Simmons.
His role surely will be expanded with Orlando, contrasting to his Spur days. However, it's not quite clear how he'll be used by head coach Frank Vogel. Simmons could possibly start at the 2 or the 3. Or, he can be the sixth man to boost the bench. With Evan Fournier, Arron Afflalo, and Terrence Ross still on the roster, Simmons will have to prove his worth without a doubt.
So if things go right, and the team clicks, the Magic will definitely be glad they signed this under the radar prospect.