Spurs Sign G Jonathan Simmons to 2-Year, Vet-Min Deal

[Chinook]

This is Spurstalk. You've nearly 10,000 posts on this site and joined only about 3 months after I did.

So let me ask, when have we NOT obsessed over an end-of-the-bench signing? I've been posting on this site nearly 10 years. I cannot seem to recall ever not doing so! Thats pretty much the whole joke behind the "Church of ______" post that we get everytime any new player is signed!

Rabid homerism and GOAT projections are essentially mandatory after donning the silver and black for the first time.

Not to mention that this is a site that's frequented by thousands of people talking about a team with 15 players and only a handful of noteworthy FO people. Of course roster guys are going to get talked about. That's not to mention that Simmons has a decent chance at making the rotation, seeing as his only competition for that spot is Anderson and McCallum.

[Ellsworth]

Matt Bonner is going to be on a sandwich binge until he gets picked up to this stacked squad.

Mat BONNER should become the team's personal chef & prepare delicious sandwiches instead of them rookies running for the nearest bakery shop :p:

[Mr. Body]

We still need a wing we can count on for minutes in the thick of the season.

[Darkwaters]

We still need a wing we can count on for minutes in the thick of the season.

At this point my guess would be Rasual Butler.

Caron Butler signed a contract yesterday. I guess Dorrell Wright is still out there too, but I think Rasual is the better choice.

[AFBlue]

This is Spurstalk. You've nearly 10,000 posts on this site and joined only about 3 months after I did.

So let me ask, when have we NOT obsessed over an end-of-the-bench signing? I've been posting on this site nearly 10 years. I cannot seem to recall ever not doing so! Thats pretty much the whole joke behind the "Church of ______" post that we get everytime any new player is signed!

Rabid homerism and GOAT projections are essentially mandatory after donning the silver and black for the first time.

I had a subtle joke in there about his ears not being big enough, and I frequent the holy places of obscure Spurs bench guy. In other words, it wasn't meant to be a sincere criticism of the player, the posters or the site. Based on the highlights, he'll likely be the best Simmons this team has ever had...though that bar is admittedly low (looking at you Bobby).

[ChumpDumper]

I was thinking that this was a contingency signing because they weren't finding the swingman they wanted, but it looks like they wanted to sign him since May and the timing was for cap purposes.

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2015/7/10/8931135/nba-d-league-elite-mini-camp-standout-signs-with-san-antonio-spurs

Now there is certainly nothing but minimum salaries left.

[RodNIc91]

Reminds me of Michael Jordan. Hopefully he has a similar career.
Not sure if serious.

[timvp]

I was thinking that this was a contingency signing because they weren't finding the swingman they wanted, but it looks like they wanted to sign him since May and the timing was for cap purposes.

Interesting. Where did you see that? I didn't read it in the link you posted...

[DAF86]

Nice, seems like they're doing what many of us wanted, which is sign random, younger players to fill out the roster, rather than signing washed-up scrubs like Tayshaun Prince or Caron Butler that will want guaranteed minutes..

Give some of these dudes a tryout and see what's available on the buyout market at mid-season..

I would still like to sign someone like James Jones, tbh.

[ChumpDumper]

Interesting. Where did you see that? I didn't read it in the link you posted...It's an assumption on my part. I should have used even less definitive language than "looks like."

To me it answers the question about when they could have made the decision about him between the end of the Austin season and Simmon's nondescript Orlando performance.

[Chinook]

Can you even sign players in May? I think that Simmons was someone on the Spurs' list, but they didn't want to tip their hats until they could ink him officially. But I also think that the Spurs were willing to leave him to other teams if a better wing came along. I doubt they're in love with him. But who knows? His age doesn't bother me much. Green was 24 when he broke out.

[timvp]

It's an assumption on my part. I should have used even less definitive language than "looks like."

To me it answers the question about when they could have made the decision about him between the end of the Austin season and Simmon's nondescript Orlando performance.

Ah, okay, thanks.

It's somewhat weird that he was on the Nets summer league team, though, right? I mean, if the Spurs knew in May that they were interested enough in him that they'd fully guarantee his first year, you'd think they'd convey that fact to his agent and at least get him on the summer league team.

I guess the explanation would be that the Spurs didn't know how their roster would shake out so didn't want to promise (or even hint) anything. Or, if we want to put our tinfoil hats on, we could believe that the Spurs liked Simmons so much that they had to avoid showing their hand at all costs and then swoop in at the start of free agency with a deal he couldn't refuse.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm not sure; maybe a verbal agreement would have complicated the cap situation if word got out. It's funny because they obviously wanted him enough to guarantee the full season, but he wouldn't be worth scuttling some other signing that had to be done before to maximize the cap space. That's my theory anyway.

Or maybe he is just a contingency and the full guarantee locks him up. Bird in hand and all that.

[timvp]

I'm not sure; maybe a verbal agreement would have complicated the cap situation if word got out. It's funny because they obviously wanted him enough to guarantee the full season, but he wouldn't be worth scuttling some other signing that had to be done before to maximize the cap space. That's my theory anyway.

Or maybe he is just a contingency and the full guarantee locks him up. Bird in hand and all that.

I still don't 100% believe that the entire first year is guaranteed. That'd be an UnSpursian move, especially for a player who didn't exactly tear down the nets to begin summer league.

But I guess there might have been competition or, as you said, they just wanted to lock him up now and didn't want to risk anything.

[Marcus Bryant]

I still don't 100% believe that the entire first year is guaranteed. That'd be an UnSpursian move, especially for a player who didn't exactly tear down the nets to begin summer league.

But I guess there might have been competition or, as you said, they just wanted to lock him up now and didn't want to risk anything.


Yeah, that deal is probably 95% non-guaranteed. If the top 4 bigs in your rotation can all step out on the floor then you are going to need swingmen who can cut and go to the rim. His offensive game appears to be right in line with what the Spurs will need from the 2 & 3 spots. Like the defensive ability shown in the clips. If the pool for vet minimum wasn't as sparse, you'd think the Spurs might think about seeing what he can do in training camp before deciding whether or not to bring in a vet. As it stands I think they'll bring in someone later this month, probably Prince.

[BatManu20]

Simmons is easily the best athlete on the Spurs SL team. Not even close. I think he's prob going to force it a bit today though now that people are really watching him.

He's already my fav Spurs prospect on the SL team tbh. Still pulling for KA obviously, but Simmons has tools you can't teach with his size and elite athleticism. Shot 40% from 3 last year in Austin so he obviously can stroke it. Hopefully it translates to the next level.

[loveforthegame]

The 3 ball is nice but I like that he can put it on the floor and drive. He has the mid range jumper, floater, and creative around the basket.

Not bad on defense either. Throw in the athleticism and energy and there's not much not to like.

Spark plug like that off the bench for spot minutes is nice to have.

:tu

[random21]

Has a nice game to him. Kind of junk yard dog... More athletic though.... Can dribble better than D.Green.

[ceperez]

The 3 ball is nice but I like that he can put it on the floor and drive. He has the mid range jumper, floater, and creative around the basket.

Not bad on defense either. Throw in the athleticism and energy and there's not much not to like.

Spark plug like that off the bench for spot minutes is nice to have.

:tu

Great pickup. The athleticism is a good backup for either Green or Leonard.

He came from nothing when he signed up with the Austin Toros, 2 years later, he has decent skills.

That's why LJC needs to be developed in the states.

[ace3g]

Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
(https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN)Confirmed with Jonathan Simmons. His deal for next year fully guaranteed.

[Marcus Bryant]

Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
(https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN)Confirmed with Jonathan Simmons. His deal for next year fully guaranteed.



Good to see that kind of response to the new contract. He definitely was trying to show what he could do but also play a team game.

[ace3g]

Yeah he had a few chances when he drove to the basket where he could have just gone in for the dunk/layup, instead passed to open man.

[TheGoldStandard]

According to Jeff McDonald he hopped a plane to Vegas and didn't even have a chance to practice with the group.. Loved his effort and his instincts. Defensively he looks like he can improve but he's pesky. The fact that he can slash and dish or finish is impressive for a Spurs bench player.. They need that badly

[BatManu20]

Anyone else still watching Summer League? John Malkovich is in house to watch the Bulls (he's a fan) and being interviewed right now by Reggie Miller. Apparently he's a big bball fan, and he just brought up Jonathan Simmons and said he was really impressed by him. He and Reggie then started talking about how well the Spurs organization is run and Malkovich said he loves the way they play, are coached, etc. Fucking John Malkovich is a fan of the Spurs apparently :lol

[AFBlue]

Anyone else still watching Summer League? John Malkovich is in house to watch the Bulls (he's a fan) and being interviewed right now by Reggie Miller. Apparently he's a big bball fan, and he just brought up Jonathan Simmons and said he was really impressed by him. He and Reggie then started talking about how well the Spurs organization is run and Malkovich said he loves the way they play, are coached, etc. Fucking John Malkovich is a fan of the Spurs apparently :lol

Is he a fan of cousin Marjanovic?

[TD 21]

Leonard should get like 38 minutes a night. Green should get 34 minutes. Manu should get 20. That's 92 of 96 wing minutes. Just give the rest to small-ball and don't worry about having a consistent fourth wing. Just need someone to step up in case of injury, and the Spurs use "unproved" players in those roles all the time. Anderson and Simmons will do a fine job filling in the cracks (or Simmons will be cut and another d-leaguer will take the spot). I fully expect the Spurs to add another wing over the course of the season. It'll probably be a vet that folks here can "trust in the playoffs".

Against good teams, in close games or in the playoffs, sure. But as an an average, this team shouldn't need anyone to exceed 33 mpg.

Anderson looks to be largely the same player to me, which means he's still not a fit next to Ginobili.

I suspect they view Simmons as more of a developmental prospect, considering the lack of depth on the wings behind Leonard and Green, particularly post Ginobili.

Yet I now question if there's a veteran wing addition upcoming. I guess Anderson's and Simmons' play throughout Summer League could decide it. It would seem a no brainer either way, but they've got to be close to the tax at this point. Would they really guarantee a roster spot, a fifty/fifty rotation spot and essentially pay $1M to this obscure of a player?

[Russ]

Anyone else still watching Summer League? John Malkovich is in house to watch the Bulls (he's a fan) and being interviewed right now by Reggie Miller. Apparently he's a big bball fan, and he just brought up Jonathan Simmons and said he was really impressed by him. He and Reggie then started talking about how well the Spurs organization is run and Malkovich said he loves the way they play, are coached, etc. Fucking John Malkovich is a fan of the Spurs apparently :lol

I saw that. Malkovich mentioned Simmons out of nowhere -- Reggie Miller wanted to talk about Malkovich's movies and Malkovich just blurts out from left field -- "What did you guys think of that Jonathon Simmons?" It took Reggie a minute to even realize who Malkovich was talking about "Oh, yeah, right, John. Jonathon Simmons in that earlier game with the Knicks."

It was great hearing a Spur praised in that creepy John Malkovich voice. (Like when he tells Clint Eastwood -- "I see you, Frank. I see you standing over the grave of another dead President.")

[NASpurs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yEn5-fyqIk

[Texas_Ranger]

@ 6.28

5dYSA_-ekYM

John knows basketball. Never knew that :D

[eDizzle20]

It's Summer League, but I was impressed with his handles and court vision. He was also able to create his own shot quite nicely. With Ginobili and Anderson as the only other back up wings as it stands right now there's no doubt he would get meaningful minutes.

[Dverde]

I like this guy. I think he might make the biggest impact. Manu will miss time this year and he will have his chance to step up. He can knock down threes and penetrate and kick. I think he will play meaningful minutes during the season. I could envision him passing Slo Mo on the depth chart. Having him and Green on the court with LMA and Duncan could be deadly from 3 pt range.

[SpursFan86]

620004526284668928

620004889888862209

[ceperez]

620004526284668928

620004889888862209

Real trooper! Spurs with a CIA move by not including him in the SL team.

[ceperez]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yEn5-fyqIk

Impressive.... going with his left several times.

[Mnky]

620004526284668928

620004889888862209

:lobt2:

[99 Problems]

:toast Wow, Spurs with an eye on every street corner. Even one near you. :reading

[THE SAMOAN TD]

620004526284668928

620004889888862209

Thats the kind of player Spurs want nice :lobt2:

[Seventyniner]

620004526284668928

620004889888862209

Thanks for the info. Great player to have on the team!

[Mr. Body]

I saw that. Malkovich mentioned Simmons out of nowhere -- Reggie Miller wanted to talk about Malkovich's movies and Malkovich just blurts out from left field -- "What did you guys think of that Jonathon Simmons?" It took Reggie a minute to even realize who Malkovich was talking about "Oh, yeah, right, John. Jonathon Simmons in that earlier game with the Knicks."

It was great hearing a Spur praised in that creepy John Malkovich voice. (Like when he tells Clint Eastwood -- "I see you, Frank. I see you standing over the grave of another dead President.")

I didn't see it and I already know Malkovich knows more about basketball than Reggie Miller.

[spurraider21]

Chinook this guy needs a think tank thread

[Aztecfan03]

so if we're in the tax we won't have access to the full MLE next summer, huh

Duncan is so selfish for not taking the minimum

didn't know that, but probably gonna use cap space next summer anyways because of the big cap jump.

[Chinook]

Chinook (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=37557) this guy needs a think tank thread

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197744&highlight=simmons

Already had one. Never underestimate how thorough Bruno was in making threads about prospects.

[Aztecfan03]

inb4 ban
Don't tell me thunder-pup is back.

[ducks]

Dude Is good

[SpursFan86]

I don't care if it's just SL...I'm sold on this dude. His energy/hustle and defense alone make me think he's ready to play spot minutes in the NBA, but his slashing abilities look great too. Hell, he's even shown a willingness to get others involved and some impressive court vision.

[808]

I don't care if it's just SL...I'm sold on this dude. His energy/hustle and defense alone make me think he's ready to play spot minutes in the NBA, but his slashing abilities look great too. Hell, he's even shown a willingness to get others involved and some impressive court vision.

Combine his energy with Patty and you'll get exhausted just watching

[Kurik]

620390542451437568

[ceperez]

Combine his energy with Patty and you'll get exhausted just watching

McCallum has an even higher vertical at 40"!

[BillMc]

:toast Wow, Spurs with an eye on every street corner. Even one near you. :reading
:bobo

[SpursFan86]

620393472709623808

Let's get his name down before we start doing anything else :lol

[milkyway21]

I heart his game already :tu

[Marcus Bryant]

SuhZ5XSCWHo

[ace3g]

How he feels right now:

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJwLi2_VEAARJdQ.png:large