OKC Thunder Trade Target: Jonathon Simmons
Jonathan Simmons
Contract: 3 years, 20-million-dollars
If you haven’t heard of Jonathan Simmons, I wouldn’t be surprised. Undrafted out of the University of Houston, Simmons paid to try-out for the Austin Toros, a D-League (now G-League) affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs.
After making the side in 2013, his continued improvement caught the eye of Gregg Popovich and he signed with San Antonio on a two year deal. Here, he rose from the 15th man to a regular rotational guard and was featured prominently in their 2016-17 playoff run following injury to Kawhi Leonard. His on-ball defense, tenacity, hustle and superb athletic ability resulted in him becoming a fan favorite in San Antonio.
Check out his chase down block on two-time MVP Steph Curry.
Now with the Magic, Simmons is averaging career highs points (13.6), rebounds (3.6) and assists (2.3) this season. While not a potent three point threat (30.9 percent), Simmons possesses a decent mid-range game and an uncanny ability to get to the bucket. He is converting at a respectable 45.9 percent clip from the field on career high shot attempts (11.5).
Pros
Strong defensive instincts
Oklahoma City need a perimeter defender with quick feet and active hands. At 6’6, 195 pounds, Simmons has good size for a guard but his 6’7 wingspan is hardly earth shattering. However, he overcomes his physical shortcomings through exceptional anticipation and on-ball pressure.
Simmons is an intense defender and regularly bodies up his opposite to bother them into tough shots. With Oklahoma City predicating their NBA aspirations on strong defense, Simmons intensity on that end fits the bill.
Below is a short clip showing his defensive work on James Harden in the second round of the 2016-17 playoffs. He does a tremendous job of drawing an offensive foul on one play then steals the ball on the next.
Offensive Potential
When Leonard was ruled out of the Western Conference Finals against Golden State last season, Simmons played big in game 2. He scored 22 points in 26 minutes and was arguably the only Spur to show up that night.
Simmons has shown the ability to score the ball, particularly from the mid-range. Additionally, he is a savvy ball handler, utilizing screens to create pick and roll opportunities. Adding Simmons to the Russell Westbrook, George and Raymond Felton trio provides OKC another ball handler.
An athletically gifted player, Simmons drives to the cup with ferocity. Like Russ, he gets up and loves to put up posters. Oklahoma City thrive in the open court and Simmons is another athlete OKC could add to its roster.