Jonathon Simmons
Jonathon Simmons has yet to fulfill the promise he showed in San Antonio. Coach Pop was rumored to be annoyed by his showboating, so upon being renounced, the Magic inked him to a three-year deal in hopes that his potential would pan out.
Only things didn’t exactly work out for him in Orlando. Nor in Philadelphia, after being traded there, so now he’s looking for a fresh start and is currently unemployed at the moment.
Be that as it may, let’s not forget, Simmons is also a player whom the Spurs scouted and brought aboard into their organization. If the NBA team with the best scouting department saw something in him than perhaps other teams should consider taking another look.
Sure, there is a chance he can be another Gary Neal: a role player who benefitted from playing within the Spurs’ system and struggled upon playing for a different team, but what Simmons brings to the table isn’t really predicated around a particular skill or a system; you either have a high motor on both ends of the court or you don’t.
Albeit, having a high motor doesn’t always mean you will be some defensive juggernaut (e.g., Bobby Portis), but in Simmon’s case, that’s actually one of his two strengths: he’s an excellent on-ball defender and effective in the open court.
Perimeter shooting has always been a struggle for him, but following their free-agent signings this offseason, the Lakers have more than enough floor spacing to slightly hide that weakness.