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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jonathon Simmons

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 31: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 31, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 31: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 31, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathon Simmons, Orlando magic, Los Angeles Lakers
Jonathon Simmons, Orlando magic, Los Angeles Lakers /

The Orlando Magic felt they got a steal when they acquired Jonathon Simmons in free agency. That proved to be true as he was solid all year.

The Orlando Magic were not going to be able to do much in free agency last summer. The wish list of potential additions to the team was small. The Magic did not have much cap room — nor the desire to commit more long-term money to dig themselves further into a financial hole.

Orlando would work on the periphery. And Jeff Weltman’s evaluation season would be more about what he already had and sorting out the mess left to him than making his imprint on the team.

Fortune favored the Magic that summer and one of the more intriguing free agents of the offseason fell into their laps at a reasonable price.

After Jonathon Simmons averaged 10.5 points per game in the 2017 Playoffs, including a stellar run once Kawhi Leonard went out with an injury. Simmons was a perfect support player in the San Antonio Spurs’ system — a hard-nosed defender and grinder who could come in and create chaos off the bench.

Yet, it was clear he wanted to do more. He came to Orlando professing his desire to have a larger role within the offense. He wanted more responsibility and more opportunity. The Magic were more than willing to give it — especially at the price.

Simmons would eventually take over as the starter. He started in 50 of the 69 games he played. He played in more minutes than he had ever played in before — blowing past the previous year’s minutes total by the midpoint of the season. You could see the fatigue in him growing. But he kept producing and kept playing.

Expecting Simmons to turn into a star was a bit too much. Expecting him to be a full-time starter by December was a bit of a surprise. But Simmons produced and had a great season. He will have to prepare himself for the future again, but he found a good fit.

Simmons still has his flaws. He wants the ball in his hands and works best as a primary ball handler. He is not quite good enough to do that as a starter full time. And his 3-point shot is still inconsistent.

But Simmons was still very good. Exactly what the Magic ordered. If not exactly what they needed for the role they eventually played him in.