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2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jonathon Simmons

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball during the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-105. 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. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball during the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-105. 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. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Jonathon Simmons, Orlando Magic, Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 21: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 21, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Overall Outlook

Orlando Magic fans rejoiced when the team signed Jonathon Simmons to a three-year, $18-million contract last year. In Simmons, the team saw someone who simply needed an opportunity to become a solid NBA player.

He showed it whenever he got the chance with the San Antonio Spurs. And the Magic were in a position to give him that opportunity to sink or swim.

Simmons is not one to sink. He has overcome a lot to make it in the NBA. And he truly had an “I’ve made it” season last year. Simmons left no doubt that he belonged in the NBA with his scoring ability and tenacity.

Other parts of his game took a step down, but a lot of that might be from the mismatched team he was on. He got better in a lot of other areas to more than make up for it.

Simmons took advantage of the opportunity and ran with it. He had a career year in 2018, establishing his place on the team and the league.

The biggest question surrounding Simmons is whether he can do it again.

He admitted to fatigue with the vast increase in minutes he played last year over his two previous seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. He should be more prepared to face them now and pace himself through the season. But that may not be the biggest issue.

The Magic’s changing roster — and health — will force his minutes down. He is not likely to start and will settle into a sixth man role that probably suits him a bit better.

That will bring him new challenges. Mainly he will have to maintain his efficiency.

Simmons could have another level to his game. He could become a better playmaker and distributor and certainly a better 3-point shooter (he shot 33.8 percent from beyond the arc last year). Both of those skills would greatly improve him and make him far more valuable.

But it is also entirely possible the 2018 season was either his ceiling or an aberration. With so few years under his belt, it is hard to say where his mean is.

The focus for Simmons, no matter what role the Magic envision for him, is to find consistency and raise his defensive level back up to meet his reputation as a defender.

Orlando knows they will get a hard worker in Simmons. He will find a way to contribute. He has overcome too much to take any opportunity for granted.

Next. Orlando Magic need Terrence Ross to get it all back. dark

And the Magic will certainly give that to him again.