Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Jonathon Simmons has truly big ambitions

By Philip Rossman-Reich

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Jonathon Simmons has been a pleasant surprise for the Orlando Magic, far exceeding expectations and showing off his big ambitions.

Jonathon Simmons expected a summer where he would get a lot of attention.

The forward showed tons of promise despite his relatively meager 6.2 points per game in 17.8 minutes per game. His tenacious defense earned him a spot in the San Antonio Spurs‘ rotation and up from a D-League tryout.

That story is well known.

Simmons, though, wanted to write the next chapter in that story. And he knew it was not likely going to come in his small role with the Spurs. Or within the confines of the Spurs’ system.

His strong Playoff performance only seemed to guarantee a big payday. He got that, in the form of a three-year, $18-million contract from the Magic. Simmons had plenty of suitors.

According to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, LeBron James himself called Jonathon Simmons about joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. Simmons said he declined, saying he wanted to play against the elite players in the league and measure himself against them. Besides, the Cavaliers did not have the cap space to offer Simmons the kind of financial security he desired.

Simmons revealed something else there though. He has a deeper desire for himself and what he wants his career to be. He wants to be elite.

Playing with the Magic in his current sixth man role is the start of his growth and development. It is something he could not do in San Antonio. Simmons said he appreciates Gregg Popovich for his tutelage and help. But for him to grow, he needed to leave.

Simmons said he often felt too constricted in the Spurs system. He looked forward to the Magic’s wide-open system to expand his game.

"“It’s about expanding my offensive game and showing that I’m more than just an energy guy and that I can give a team whatever it needs – passing, scoring or defense,” Simmons told John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. “It’s about expanding my role, period.”"

That expansion has certainly worked for him and for the Magic.

Simmons is averaging 15.0 points per game, shooting 50.7 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc. His offensive game has developed quicker than anyone could expect.

Coach Frank Vogel told the media in Portland that Simmons has far exceeded the team’s expectations.

Simmons often is the player driving the second unit. His defense and intensity on that end and his drive and willingness to create off the dribble on offense is the difference for the team’s turnaround off the bench. Orlando has felt confident enough to try him at point guard as the team has struggled with injuries at that position.

The Magic have put a lot of trust in Simmons for sure. And Simmons has paid off. Much faster than anyone could have imagined and in a way no one could have expected him to break out. At least, not this soon.

Next: Orlando Magic's grip is slipping as flaws become apparent

Simmons seems determined to do much more in the near future.