State of the Hornets: Cedric Simmons

June 22, 2007

The most productive night of Cedric Simmons’ rookie year came on Dec. 29, when he registered 10 points and nine rebounds, helping spark a 99-89 victory.

Hornets.com continues its look back at 2006-07 with player-by-player analysis of each Hornet who appeared in at least half of the team’s games last season:

Cedric Simmons
NBA experience: One season with Hornets.
Age: 21.
Games played (starts): 43 (4).
Key statistical averages: 2.9 points, 2.5 rebounds.
What we expected: Simmons was initially unsure about leaving North Carolina State after just two collegiate seasons with the Wolfpack, but after hearing numerous reports indicating that he’d be a first-round pick, he opted to remain in the 2006 draft. As expected for a budding player with limited college experience – Simmons averaged a shade under 10 minutes a game as a freshman – he figured to need some seasoning in order to develop in the league. The Shallotte, N.C. native entered 2006-07 as a potential rotation player for the Hornets, but was not a lock to play significant minutes with frontcourt veterans such as Tyson Chandler and Marc Jackson also on the roster.

What went right: Over the first two months of his rookie season, Simmons was a regular member of Byron Scott’s rotation, playing at least 10 minutes in 20 of the Hornets’ first 22 games. He provided consistent energy on the backboards and at the defensive end, swatting at least one shot in 11 of the club’s 15 November games, in just 14.7 minutes per contest. Through his first 28 appearances in November and December, Simmons averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.0 minutes, which equated to 11.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per 48 minutes.

What went wrong: The No. 15 overall draft pick’s playing time began diminishing in January, when he picked up nine DNP’s due to coach’s decision. He did not play double-digit minutes in any game after a one-sided defeat to Detroit on Jan. 4. During the Hornets’ push to reach the postseason following the All-Star break, he appeared in just six games.

The future: Now entering the second year of his rookie contract, the Hornets have a team option on Simmons for both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Simmons is a raw player whose athleticism and natural talent lead many to believe he has room for major improvement in the near future. He will attempt to become a less mechanical player at the offensive end, while adding muscle to his 235-pound frame, which will allow him to hold his ground under the basket when defending and vying for rebounds. His role in 2007-08 will depend on how much he improves during the offseason.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Here’s what Hornets.com heard about Simmons in 2006-07:
ESPN The Magazine writer Chris Broussard, during preseason:
“I think a few years from now he’s going to be an impact player in this league. I expect a little more contributions from Hilton (Armstrong) this year (than Cedric). Now, Cedric is not a project by any stretch, but his adjustment is going to be a little harder. With his athleticism and skills, he will be an impact guy eventually.”

TNT analyst Doug Collins:

“I saw him play at N.C. State and put up some big numbers against Duke, where my son (Chris) coaches (as an assistant). He’s got a nice inside game and good footwork, a nice live body. The big thing with big guys is, you’ve got to develop an all-around game. If you’re going to be a starter in this league, or big-time player, you can’t just be a one-dimensional guy.”