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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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Become more consistent

The consistency chatter may seem redundant, but it’s so true: Jonathon Simmons needs to shoot better and be a more consistent member of this team next season if he wants to stay.

On an absolute gem of a contract, Simmons will be good trade bait for any playoff team that wants to improve its roster before the season ends. If the Magic don’t feel as though Simmons is progressing, it could mean some player movement. This is a worse-case scenario obviously, but that’s something that Magic fans should be used to by now.

If Simmons can post double-digit scoring games almost every night, it will help his stock. Cutting down on turnovers (2.1 per game last season) and upping his rebound and assist numbers will also help.

Offense isn’t the only aspect of Simmons game where he could use some stability. Prior to landing in Orlando, Simmons had a solid defensive reputation. Known as a ballhawk and tough perimeter defender, he thrived in San Antonio’s defensive schemes.

However, with Orlando last season we saw these numbers slip. The Magic’s defensive rating, with Simmons on the floor, was 110.9. That was the third-worst mark on the team. He also saw his defensive box plus/minus drop from 0.9 to -1.3 — quite a significant drop from one year to the next. Yes, these numbers came in more minutes, but you would like to see the defense stay consistent for Simmons.

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Ultimately, Jonathon Simmons had a solid first season in Orlando given the circumstances. Thrown into a role he was not used to, he averaged career highs almost across the board and established himself as a solid member of the rotation. In year two, however, he will be expected to make another step toward improving and Magic fans are going to want to see more consistency on both ends of the floor.

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