NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the New Orleans Pelicans
2. Jonathon Simmons
Simmons is a restricted free agent that is also subject to the Arenas Provision, which the new CBA did not alter. The Arenas Provision caps the first two years of any offers sheets at the full MLE. Years three and four of an offer sheet are not capped however, which means that teams can throw enough money at Simmons to make the Spurs think hard about matching. If the Spurs have a serious chance at signing a top tier free agent such as Chris Paul they will almost certainly have to let Simmons walk. In that case, the Pelicans might have a decent shot at signing him.
Simmons has been inconsistent over his two years in San Antonio and he’s older than he seems. He’ll turn 28 in September, but he’s a fantastic athlete that still has some upside. He showed off valuable skills and an undeniable competitive spirit during San Antonio’s playoff run. Simmons played tough defense on James Harden in the Houston series, especially in the last two games when Kawhi Leonard was hurt. He attacked the rim relentlessly and he shot the 3-pointer at a respectable 35 percent clip on nearly 3 attempts per game throughout the playoffs (per Basketball-Reference).
On the Pelicans, Simmons could soak up minutes at both the two and three spots. On defense he proved that he could slow some of the league’s best offensive players on the wing, which makes him a valuable piece. Simmons’ shooting has come and gone since he entered the league, which is concerning. But he would represent an upgrade over Solomon Hill at the three spot. If Simmons can sustain the improvement and intensity he showed during the playoffs, then taking a risk on him seems reasonable. We’ve often seen Spurs players leave San Antonio over the past few years and look like shells of their former selves. Simmons played well in some high pressure games during the playoffs, and he fills a dire need for this New Orleans squad. The Pelicans should think hard about sending an offer sheet his way.