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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, Indiana Pacers
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 20: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers on November 20, 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) /

Final Grade

B+. . SG. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS

Some fans had some outsized expectations for Jonathon Simmons before the season began. They saw him as someone who could potentially take over games and be a clear-cut starter from the beginning of the season.

They were not completely wrong. Asking him to do it the whole season when he had not played such a large role before was probably asking too much. But Simmons delivered. If not to the extent of those expectations, then pretty close.

He thrived coming off the bench to start the season — 14.0 points per game in 19 games as a reserve. That was actually better scoring than when he was a starter.

That does not mean Simmons was not successful as a starter. He did not fit great with the other players on the roster, but the Magic certainly needed his creation. And he provided that throughout the season.

For a player taking such a big step up in role Simmons thrived. He stepped up and played at a fairly consistently throughout the season. That is saying a lot for a team that won just 25 games all season. He made Orlando a better team in whatever role the team asked of him.

Did his defense slip a bit? Sure. He like everyone else struggled some with the role the Magic asked him to play. And he struggled to keep his intensity and focus, especially as the season lost some of its meaning. That is only human nature.

But Simmons was largely reliable. He was a bright spot throughout the season. A guy the team could rely on for effort and production. And occasionally a big game or two when he got hot.

Next: 2018 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Frank Vogel

The Magic knew they had a steal when they signed Simmons in the offseason. His first season in Orlando left no doubt of that.