Shelvin Mack and Jonathan Simmons.

The two latest free agent signings by the Orlando Magic are indicative of the direction the team is taking - they want defenders and they want fighters.

Neither Mack nor Simmons have had the easiest route to the NBA as both had stops in the D League. But in 2017, they are signing multi-million dollar contracts in the NBA. Proof dreams can come true.

“Everybody has their own journey, it’s that you make the best of it,” said Jonathon Simmons.

Simmons path is truly one of the most remarkable Cinderella stories of the NBA, as the undrafted shooting guard once paying $150 for a D-league tryout. He not only made the San Antonio Spurs developmental squad thanks to that, but caught the eye of the Spurs themselves as well.

Just don’t ask Simmons if it was the best $150 he ever spent. “I think the best $150 I ever spent was on some Jordans,” joked Simmons. “That was maybe the second best.”

From the D-league to the pros, both Mack and Simmons have played in strong programs in the past with Simmons playing the last two season with the Spurs, and Mack spending time previously with the Atlanta Hawks as well as the Washington Wizards, and most recently the Utah Jazz.

The fact that both players have the now how to win is key.

“It makes me pay attention to the details,” said Mack. “They didn’t get there just through athletic ability, it’s actually studying the game and taking the time each and every day to work on our craft. I think I can bring that to every team I go to now.”

So why the Magic? Both cite opportunity as the reason why.

“Opportunity. I think it is an opportunity to come in and make an impact on a team and try to see if we can turn things around,” said Simmons.

Mack and Simmons will definitely have an opportunity for impact on the Magic, especially if they bring the same defensive tenacity they are known for to the Amway Center.

Their fighting spirit and their defensive skills are the reasons they were signed, according to Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman.

“A lot of coaches would make the case that defense is just how hard you play, how badly you want it, and once again I’ll bring the word, how much you want to fight. I do think that will help change the complexion of the team and I think that’s an important part for us.”