The Denver Nuggets could use another wing and more defense, so Jonathon Simmons could be a great target in NBA free agency.
As the NBA free agency market for wings starts to dwindle, the Denver Nuggets are still in need of a replacement for Danilo Gallinari. Wilson Chandler is extremely solid, but he performs best coming off the bench with his scoring punch. One player Denver should set their sights on is San Antonio Spurs shooting guard/small forward Jonathan Simmons.
Simmons is still working on the “3” part of being a good 3-and-D player (only 29.4 percent from deep last season), but he could provide something Gallinari could not: tough defense.
Simmons has been raised in Gregg Popovich’s first-ranked defensive system, so he’s only improved his discipline over the first two seasons on his career. He could be a tremendous asset as he would give the Nuggets even more versatility and take some of the defensive pressure off of Gary Harris. Not to mention, Simmons has the ability to defend multiple positions, including stretch fours.
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He put his defensive talents on display most recently in the playoffs, frequently taking on the assignment of guarding James Harden for the Spurs and doing an impressive job in the process. Simmons has good size at 6’6″ with a strong frame, possessing the kind of explosiveness that San Antonio hasn’t had much of in recent years. Simmons proved how much of a pest he can be on the ball when he bothered Harden, whether he was nipping around screens, cutting off driving lanes or forcing turnovers.
Having that kind of weapon at the wing would be huge for the Nuggets, and Simmons’ offensive ability to drive, control the ball a little and make plays in transition has improved, too. Simmons’ potential and buzzing energy would be a welcome addition to go along with the defensive prowess Paul Millsap will bring as the Nuggets already look to be an improved defensive unit on paper.
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With so many wings off the market now, the time to find a new small forward for Denver is running out and they should look at the Spurs forward. He won’t come too cheap as the Spurs will want to keep him, but due to their agreement to a two-year, $17 million deal with Rudy Gay and the market being fairly tight this summer, the Nuggets could have a chance to swoop in with a good offer.