2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jonathon Simmons

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Jonathon Simmons, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets

SAN ANTONIO, TX – MAY 3: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against the Houston Rockets during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on MAY 3, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jonathon Simmons was the steal of the summer for the Orlando Magic. But questions still abound about whether he can increase his role and take the next step

It is easy to get lost in the pressure of the Playoffs. The bad performances look worse than they really are and the good performances look better than they really are. It is how a lot of mistakes with contracts get made. See the Orlando Magic’s signing of Bismack Biyombo.

In a lot of those moments, players can sense the opportunity. Especially if they are set to become free agents the next offseason. It is almost expected that sometimes little-used Playoff performers who excel will get that big payday come July.

So it was with Jonathon Simmons and the San Antonio Spurs.

With Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard down with injuries in the latter rounds, Jonathon Simmons was the guy who stepped up. Forget the fact he scored only 6.2 points per game during the regular season, his second in the NBA. What really showed what Simmons could be in a larger role came in the Playoffs where he averaged 10.5 points per game in 20.4 minutes per game.

Here was someone with solid per 36-minute numbers — 12.5 points per 36 minutes during the regular season — delivering in real time. Here was the clear evidence that Simmons was ready to take on more responsibility. Teams could scale up his role and see his production increase.

Even more, considering he averaged 15.3 points per game and shot a 45.7 percent effective field goal percentage in the four-game sweep to the Golden State Warriors with Leonard out after Game One.

Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

This was the uber athletic Simmons everyone had seen in flashes finally getting his chance. Surely the money would come, even with restricted free agency hanging over him. There was bound to be someone ready to line up and sign him.

Simmons was not beating back offers this summer. Restricted free agency effectively scared everyone off. And the Spurs decided to cut him loose when the league had spent most of its money.

So it is then the Magic struck. Their patience was rewarded for one of the Playoff standouts and it would add a big boost to the lineup. And at a reasonable price.

Simmons can do all the things he did during the Playoffs. That is the potential he has. It seems he is poised to take on a bigger role. And for the Magic, they likely will use him as their sixth man. He fits the team’s versatile, defensive-minded approach.

Everything seemed to align for Simmons and the Magic in what could be a good culture-building signing and perfect fit. Now he just has to deliver with the opportunity the Magic give him.