Who should the Suns consider for their expanded roster in Orlando?
By Jono Perilli
Jonathon Simmons
Since he entered the league in 2015, Jonathon Simmons has become quite a decent scoring threat, and with teams not willing to take a chance on him, now would be a great time for the Suns to consider the 6’6″ shooting guard.
Three years ago Simmons’ story made the rounds on social media. From paying money to attend a San Antonio Spurs tryout, to making the G-League, and then solidifying himself as a decent piece in the NBA, Simmons’ NBA story has been a whole movie.
He had a great 2017-18 season for the Orlando Magic, where he became a key scoring piece averaging 13.9 points per game while starting. He’d get dealt away in a deal that would land him in Philadelphia in 2019, and eventually, he’d be waived. For whatever reason, Simmons still hasn’t had any buyers, and it’s unknown why.
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Maybe he’s asking for too much money, who knows? All we know is that the Suns wouldn’t lose to sign Simmons on a small contract. They need a solid small forward, and while Simmons rarely plays the position, who says no to changing it up a little bit?
Simmons has everything they need to basically surround Booker, especially a formidable scoring presence. He was an average defender, which doesn’t help his case, but don’t be surprised if the Suns take a look at the former University of Houston guard. After all, Simmons thrives as a starter, as proven in his great 2017-18 season in Orlando. If it isn’t the Suns considering Simmons, it would be a contender. Still, it would boost the Suns’ chances to at least a playoff consideration if they can attempt to sign him.
Who says no? For a small sum, Simmons could excel as a spot-up shooter for the Phoenix Suns.