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Orlando Magic: 3 goals for Jonathon Simmons in 2018-19

By Chris Murch

PHILADELPHIA,PA - NOVEMBER 25: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - NOVEMBER 25: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Shoot above 37 percent from 3

For the 2017-18 season, Simmons shot only 33.8 percent from 3-point range. He only made 69 triples in 69 games on an average of 3.0 attempts per game. Simmons has never been known as a consistent deep threat and that was backed up by his play last season.

This season can bring a more consistent sixth man role for Simmons if everyone is healthy, thus giving him the chance to play against weaker competition team-by-team. Simmons has the skill, strength and experience to kill opposing second units. He will be looked to for go-to scoring off the bench and with a more consistent 3-ball, Simmons will be a scoring threat every night.

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Last year, Simmons had 21 games in which he shot above 50 percent from deep. In 69 games that is impressive. However, he coupled this with 27 games in which he went 0-for-1 or worse. Again, consistency was not Simmons’ strongest suit last season and improving his shooting numbers will be imperative to his success in 2018-19.

The number that stuck out to me was the fact that Simmons was only taking 3.0 threes a game. If you look at some game tape, you will see Simmons passing up a lot of looks in order to drive and try to finish with a dunk, floater or mid-range jumper. If he can become more comfortable with taking these shots behind the arc, that would be huge for his development. This year we should see him taking more like 4-5 and converting at a higher clip.

Simmons has the potential to become a bigger threat offensively as he has all the tools to do so. He had an effective field goal percentage of 51.1 percent, so we know he can put the ball in the hole. He has a good stoke on his jumper, solid handle, great build and good offensive instincts as well.

He has never been looked to as a scorer but with Orlando, everyone needs to score. With more confidence from behind the arc, Simmons can reach higher heights.

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