In his first NBA season as a consistent starter, Orlando Magic wing Jonathon Simmons had his share of ups and downs. Here are three goals for him in 2018-19.
In the summer of 2017, the Orlando Magic signed Jonathon Simmons to a three-year, $20 million deal. After only playing in 133 NBA games prior, Simmons was thrust into a big role on a team — a role he hadn’t seen since his G League days in the San Antonio Spurs organization. So, it shouldn’t be shocking to Magic fans that Simmons had some struggles in his first year with the organization.
For the 2017-18 season, Simmons averaged 13.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists (all career highs) in 29.4 minutes a game. Before last season, Simmons had career averages of 6.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 16.3 minutes a game. Quite the difference in usage there.
Ross started out the season playing behind Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier, but was thrust into a more consistent starting role after Ross’ injury. Altogether, Simmons played in 69 games and started 50 of them. Before last season, Simmons had only started in 10 regular season games.
It’s difficult to say whether it was a shock to Simmons’ system, or just a lack of experience, but he was marred with consistency issues last season. A look at Simmons’ box scores from last year personifies this issue.
In the month of January, a month in which he started 12 of his 13 games, Simmons averaged 10.3 points in 27.4 minutes a game. This was also a month in which the team went 3-11, and Simmons had scoring nights of three, three, seven, four, nine and six points. A night after scoring 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, he played 32 minutes and went 2-for-9 for four points. On a team where scoring was not a strong suit, having this inconsistency hurt big time.
For Magic fans to expect a giant leap in production from Simmons, after two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, was probably a pipe dream. However, averaging nearly 14 points per game in under 30 minutes is impressive no matter how inconsistent his scoring was. Especially without a super defined role all season.
Simmons could be a real X-factor for the Magic this season in a sixth man role. He can provide high two-way potential and veteran leadership to the young guys on the roster and in the second unit. With a more efficient offensive game and continued tenacious perimeter defense, Simmons could turn some heads.
Here’s a look at three goals that Jonathon Simmons could realistically aim for in the upcoming 2018-19 season.