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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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Aaron Gordon, Jonathon Simmons, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 29: Jonathon Simmons #17 and Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 29, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2019 Outlook

In an offseason that anticipates change, it is hard not to say any player is completely untouchable. Jonathon Simmons on a declining three-year, $18-million contract all of a sudden seems extremely marketable.

In fact, Simmons’ name popped up in trade rumors at the trade deadline this year. He still has a lot of value around the league. A year in Orlando did not tarnish anything. In fact, it may have enhanced it.

Simmons proved he could take on a larger role. He started for the Magic and succeeded. It was not the best fit overall. He likely was better off the bench. But another team could put him in that role. Simmons performed admirably.

It will be an offseason of change, but Simmons is one of the few players who was clearly a Jeff Weltman pick. He is a guy who could help build the kind of culture the Magic want. No one ever questioned his effort or his willingness to play hard. Just his efficiency at times. And that was largely a product of role.

Weltman signed him in free agency to a multiyear deal. That suggests the Magic envision him as part of the team’s future. It looks like the Magic want to include Simmons in their future plans.

In all likelihood, he will get the opportunity to start again next year. It is not likely the Magic are going to find anyone better in free agency or the draft. He lost the end of his season to an injury, but he held the starting spot pretty much from November to the end of the season. And no one was really upset about that.

Simmons had a strong season. One he admitted could be stronger. He will likely spend his offseason building up his stamina and improving his game. He will manage himself better next season now that he has been through an entire year with such a large role.

That suggests he will continue to get better in the end.