After displaying his talent last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Jonathon Simmons chose Orlando this Summer to have the opportunity to lead an NBA team. In his last 14 games with Orlando, he has already doubled his output, averaging 15 points on 50.7 percent shooting, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while playing eight more minutes on the floor (25) per game. No holder, as many NBA players do, Simmons hopes one day to become one of the most feared players in the league. But even before that, Simmons had the guts to refuse an unexpected proposal from LeBron James to join the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, who are competing to win the championship again.

Player reveals what happened this Summer

According to the Slam Online website, Simmons expressed that to the coach of the San Antonio Spurs, and said, "I can be good over here, but I can’t be great. I even talked to LeBron James over the phone, and he was like, ‘We want you in Cleveland.’ And I said, No, I want to play against you. I want to be able to play against Elite guys." At least that is what Simmons has claimed took place.

He has different plans to his career

"I want to develop my offensive game and show that I am more than that. I can bring to a team everything it needs. Pass, rebound, scoring, defense. I just want to expand my role, and be part of the elite of this league," claiming that the main focus is to play against elite players, and challenge his abilities every night, on the biggest stages.

Did the money have an enormous significance?

At the end of his confession, Jonathon Simmons added that he wouldn´t earn enough money to support his family with the Cleveland Cavaliers. “It wasn’t enough money, anyway." He made those comments in a very direct and assertive way, not fearing at all the criticism. Beyond statistics, Simmons is a specialist in the "intangibles," all those little things (toughness, hardness, and daring) that a player can bring to the court.

Maybe that is why LeBron James had shown interest in him, despite not being a "flashy" NBA player.

Was that the right decision? Do you enjoy watching Jonathon Simmons play with the Orlando Magic this season? Do you think he could have been essential to the Cavaliers' current success since the team is having a hard time in their games this season? Is Simmons an elite player in your opinion? Those are all questions that could be asked of the young player as he spends time with his new team.
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