Where Is Jonathon Simmons Playing Now? His PBA Career Updates & Stats

Let me be honest with you - I completely forgot about Jonathon Simmons for a good minute there. The former NBA journeyman who once played meaningful minutes for the Spurs and Magic just sort of vanished from my radar until I stumbled upon some Filipino basketball forums last week. Now here I am, digging through stats and game tapes, trying to piece together what this 34-year-old veteran is bringing to the PBA.

When Simmons signed with the NorthPort Batang Pier back in February 2024, I'll admit I raised an eyebrow. Not because I doubted his ability - the man averaged 8.3 points across 258 NBA games, for heaven's sake - but because the PBA landscape has become incredibly competitive lately. All the buzz has been about teams like the Green Archers loading up on young talent or the Growling Tigers going all-in for Nic Cabanero and Forthsky Padrigao's final season. Meanwhile, NorthPort quietly picked up Simmons, and suddenly they've got this fascinating X-factor that nobody's really talking about.

Through his first 12 games with the Batang Pier, Simmons has been putting up 26.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per contest. Those numbers are solid, though I've noticed his three-point shooting has been inconsistent at around 32% - something he'll need to improve if NorthPort wants to make a serious playoff push. What strikes me watching his PBA games is how his experience shines through in crucial moments. There's a certain poise that comes from playing alongside legends like Kawhi Leonard and going up against prime LeBron James in meaningful NBA games.

I caught their game against Barangay Ginebra last month, and Simmons had this possession where he was double-teamed near the baseline. Instead of forcing a bad shot, he drew the defense and kicked it out to an open shooter in the corner. That's the kind of basketball IQ you can't teach - it comes from years of high-level competition. The Batang Pier ended up winning that game by three points, and Simmons' late-game decision-making was absolutely crucial.

What fascinates me about Simmons' PBA journey is how it reflects this larger trend of former NBA players finding success in international leagues. At 34, he's not the explosive athlete he was during his Spurs days, but he's developed into a more complete basketball player. His mid-range game has become money - I'd estimate he's hitting about 48% of those pull-up jumpers from between 15-20 feet. That's become his bread and butter when the defense collapses in the paint.

The chemistry between Simmons and his NorthPort teammates is still developing, which makes sense given he's only been with the team for about four months. There are moments when you can see the miscommunication on defensive switches or offensive sets. But when it clicks? Man, it's beautiful basketball. Their recent comeback victory against the Hotshots showed exactly what this team could become - Simmons orchestrating the offense, finding cutters, and taking over when needed.

I've been following the PBA for over a decade now, and what Simmons brings to the table reminds me of when other former NBA players like Renaldo Balkman made their mark in the league. There's that combination of professional habits, fundamental soundness, and just enough flash to get fans out of their seats. During timeouts, I've noticed Simmons actively coaching up younger teammates, sharing insights about reading defenses. That leadership component might be just as valuable as his scoring.

Looking at the Batang Pier's remaining schedule, they'll need Simmons to maintain his current production if they want to secure a favorable playoff position. The conference format means every game matters, and with teams like the Beermen looking dominant, NorthPort can't afford any extended slumps. From what I've seen, Simmons seems fully committed to making this PBA stint successful - he's been active in community events, engaging with fans on social media, and by all accounts, has been a positive presence in the locker room.

The real test will come during the playoffs, when defenses tighten up and every possession gets magnified. That's when Simmons' NBA experience should really pay dividends. I'm particularly curious to see how he handles the physicality that tends to increase during postseason play. The PBA has its own unique style - more physical than many international leagues but with incredible skill level among the local players.

As someone who's watched basketball across multiple continents, I find Simmons' adaptation to the PBA style genuinely intriguing. He's adjusted his game, focusing more on playmaking and efficiency rather than relying solely on athleticism. His player efficiency rating of 22.3 places him among the top imports this season, though there's room for improvement in his defensive rotations.

What many fans might not realize is how difficult the transition can be from NBA systems to the PBA's faster-paced, more isolation-heavy style. Simmons has had to recalibrate his decision-making, learn new defensive schemes, and adapt to different officiating standards. The fact that he's putting up all-star numbers while making these adjustments speaks volumes about his basketball versatility.

If I had to predict Simmons' future, I'd say he's likely to complete this season with NorthPort and possibly return for the next conference if both sides are satisfied with the partnership. At his age, he's probably looking for meaningful playing time and a chance to continue his professional career in a competitive environment. The PBA offers exactly that - passionate fans, quality competition, and the opportunity to be The Guy rather than just another role player.

Watching Simmons evolve from an NBA rotation player to a PBA star has been one of the more interesting basketball narratives this year. While everyone's focused on the supposed powerhouse teams, NorthPort might have quietly pulled off one of the best imports signings of the season. Only time will tell if Simmons can lead them deep into the playoffs, but from what I've seen so far, he's got the skills and mentality to make some noise in the PBA landscape.