Hoops Habit
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Receive Sixth Man of the Year votes

Last year Simmons was thrust into a starting role after Terrence Ross went down with a knee injury in late November. He struggled and was usually the one of the first starters off the floor. This had to affect his rhythm and it wouldn’t be surprising if his consistency issues were directly tied to this.

This year, Simmons can switch the narrative. While the Magic could get hit with the injury bug again, it’s highly unlikely that their players miss a combined 200 games like they did last year. This means that Simmons could see more of a regular sixth man role, the role he started with at the beginning of last season.

If he can post similar or better numbers in 2018-19, he could potentially earn some Sixth Man of the Year votes. While the lack of national attention coming the Magic’s way hurts his stock in this situation, Simmons can force his way into the conversation with his play just like Lou Williams did with the Los Angeles Clippers last year.

Now, it’s looking extremely unlikely that Simmons can average above 20 points per game like Lou Will did, but if Simmons can post 15-17 a game and have some big performances, it would be difficult to overlook him. With a more consistent jump shot and a more defined role on the team, Simmons can find the confidence the score more and thus earn recognition with the national media.

This decade there has only been one player who won this award while his team missed the playoffs (Lou Williams last year). For Simmons to have a shot, the Magic are going to need to improve and so is he. He has all the skills and experience to become one of the better second unit players in the league and that should manifest itself this season.

Home/Orlando Magic