Jonathon Simmons will be incredible next year with the right coaching (or coach)

[objective]

This is like Stephen Jackson all over again.

Simmons can do things the other washed up or useless players can't.

Kind of like Boban, he brings skills and impacts the game in ways these other losers can't.

Kyle Anderson plays like a 40 year old 6-9 Jacque Vaughn. Kevin Martin is trash.

Simmons will be great next year and people will pretend like he gained so much in the off season or learned so much watching from the bench in a suit.

Future so bright

[K...]

Or trade bait.

[Chinook]

No. Simmons more likely to get cut. Dude's not very good, plain and simple.

[loveforthegame]

He's too athletic for this team.

[Brian Windhorst]

He wasn't good enough to even dress for playoff games this year and he's 26.

[TheGreatYacht]

He wasn't good enough to even dress for playoff games this year and he's 26.
Wouldve been better than any turd coming off the bench against the Thunder, tbh :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

Would love a bench of Mills, Simmons, Barnes, Robinson, Boban

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

No. Simmons more likely to get cut. Dude's not very good, plain and simple.

I agree he's not very good, but depending on what direction they're going ( whether Tim/Manu retire ) I could see him get his contract guaranteed. If he had more chance of being cut then they would have done it when they signed KMart and kept Butler instead. I think they chose to cut Butler because at the time they thought there was a legit chance for Simmons to be on the team next season.

[Keepin' it real]

Yeah, J Simmons has been saving himself until 2017. Everybody can see that. First team all-NBA, fo sho.

[TXstbobcat]

He will be damn thankful to stay in on the team another season keeping his spot coming off the bench.

[coachmac87]

No. Simmons more likely to get cut. Dude's not very good, plain and simple.

I dunno why they'd cut him tbh. And not very good? He pretty much exceeded expectations this year. He has flaws but he's athletic and can attack the basket..things Spurs will be looking for this offseason. Why give up on him for 1M?

[J_Paco]

He still has a chance to be the first guard off the bench, but that depends a more than a few factors. He also provides athleticism that this team in general sorely needs. Needs to work on his ball handling and decision making, but I think he can scratch out a good run with the Spurs if he is willing to work.

Spurs have a lot of holes to fill, so why drop a guy that can potentially plug one in the short-term?

[J_Paco]

He still has a chance to be the first guard off the bench, but that depends more than a few factors. He also provides athleticism that this team in general sorely needs. Needs to work on his ball handling and decision making, but I think he can scratch out a good run with the Spurs if he is willing to work.

Spurs have a lot of holes to fill, so why drop a guy that can potentially plug one in the short-term?

[cd021]

Would love a bench of Mills, Simmons, Barnes, Robinson, Boban

No to Matt Barnes

[south side spur]

Absolutely no way Simmons gets cut. He is a Pop guy, a journeyman. He's the next Elie, Jaren/Stephen Jackson, Bowen, Neal, Green. Pop said he's the best athlete on the team and compared his fearlessness to Ginobili, which might explain his questionable decision making. Pop also says he has a long future in the league if he puts in the work so I'll go with the man who knows more than all of us combined.

Not all players can come in and perform optimally with limited minutes. He needs 20 minutes a game in my opinion. He has to be on the court to realize his full potential.

[cd021]

No. Simmons more likely to get cut. Dude's not very good, plain and simple.

I think he is worth a roster spot, especially at $875,000. He has a pretty good knack for getting to the rim, I am curious to see how his game would look with a reliable 3pt shot (he shot 38% but only 1/5 of his attempts were 3's).

[DMC]

Simmons is in the effort stage of his NBA career. This is where his energy output is disproportional to the effect he has on the game. It's done to make him appear to be better than he is. You could pull 10 random athletic guards from the D league who could do as well.

[palangi]

Simmons is a good bench player. He is solid. And he brings length and athleticism that we need. Some need to realize that not every player on the team is a hall of famer.

But I find it funny to see some bash Simmons and say he is terrible and that he should be cut, yet say LJC will be a solid rotation guy. Funny right?

[Chinook]

I agree he's not very good, but depending on what direction they're going ( whether Tim/Manu retire ) I could see him get his contract guaranteed. If he had more chance of being cut then they would have done it when they signed KMart and kept Butler instead. I think they chose to cut Butler because at the time they thought there was a legit chance for Simmons to be on the team next season.


I dunno why they'd cut him tbh. And not very good? He pretty much exceeded expectations this year. He has flaws but he's athletic and can attack the basket..things Spurs will be looking for this offseason. Why give up on him for 1M?


Absolutely no way Simmons gets cut. He is a Pop guy, a journeyman. He's the next Elie, Jaren/Stephen Jackson, Bowen, Neal, Green. Pop said he's the best athlete on the team and compared his fearlessness to Ginobili, which might explain his questionable decision making. Pop also says he has a long future in the league if he puts in the work so I'll go with the man who knows more than all of us combined.

Not all players can come in and perform optimally with limited minutes. He needs 20 minutes a game in my opinion. He has to be on the court to realize his full potential.


I think he is worth a roster spot, especially at $875,000. He has a pretty good knack for getting to the rim, I am curious to see how his game would look with a reliable 3pt shot (he shot 38% but only 1/5 of his attempts were 3's).

First, I said he's more likely to get cut than be incredible. He's not very good, and coaching will only help him so much. The Spurs should go into the summer looking to upgrade their guard situation, so even if Simmons improves, he's not likely to get minutes to really show that.

However, people are overestimating his relative value. Fringe players can be had for the minimum or near enough to it every season. An extremely underrated aspect of the Spurs' potential for future success hinges on them finding the best of those fringe players and to lock them up for multiple seasons. It's not just Green. It's Green, and Mills and Baynes and Neal and Blair. Hell, even Hill and Joseph can be added to the list. The Spurs are going to have to do whatever it takes to get those players in this off-season, which will likely be the tightest salary-wise in the team's recent history. Is Simmons one of the top 15 guys the team brings into camp? That's up in the air right now. While I think he likely is, I would be very happy if someone comes on who outshines what Jonathon has given so far. In the very least, I'd like at least one guard with more potential and a better contractual situation to be brought in.

[BackHome]

Man if I was in Simmons shoes I would be be spending hours in the gym working on all aspects of my game. He needs to. be hanging with Kawhi and learning how a professional like Kawhi works his ass off in the summer.

It would be nice to if Green joined that group and worked on his dribble and layup. Kinda remind me when Marion joined Witten off season workouts and killed it the next season.

[Chinook]

Man if I was in Simmons shoes I would be be spending hours in the gym working on all aspects of my game. He needs to. be hanging with Kawhi and learning how a professional like Kawhi works his ass off in the summer.

It would be nice to if Green joined that group and worked on his dribble and layup. Kinda remind me when Marion joined Witten off season workouts and killed it the next season.

Yes, that would be nice for both players. Green, I think, does work on his game. He starts off every season with new parts of his game, but they fade away by the end of the season. We saw them stick with Danny Green 2.0 for the longest they ever did this past season, and I don't think it was encouraging.

Simmons has attitude problems. I don't mean that he's a bad character. I think his confidence is extremely fragile. I'm very curious to see if he can accept the coaching he may need to improve his skills. That's especially true, since he's lacking in intangibles more than anything else right now.

[wildbill2u]

I was a little surprised that Simmons didnt get a little more burn in the OKC series. He could have burned his six fouls with some athletic tough defense against Westbrook since Patty was clearly too small. He does have some lapses on defense in rotations, but he kinda makes up for his lack of corporate knowledge with his energy, length and athleticism. And I wonder who OKC would put on him given he loves to drive into the paint. But that's water over the dam.

Meanwhile, I think they keep him unless they can use him in a trade. Hard to find anyone for a cheap bench rider that would be a better value at this point.

[Kawhitstorm]

No. Simmons more likely to get cut. Dude's not very good, plain and simple.

Simmons is a dirty cheap practice player whose salary will be laughable under he new CBA. He's also someone RC can package in a trade if some lotto team is interested in a cheap bench player.

Simmons/Patty for Darren Collison is something I could see happening considering the Kings had James Anderson playing starters minutes last season.:lol

[GSH]

Fringe players can be had for the minimum or near enough to it every season.


Slomo should sticky that, and we could use it as a response to about 90% of the shit that's going to be posted over the offseason.

[GSH]

It would be nice to if Green joined that group and worked on his dribble and layup. Kinda remind me when Marion joined Witten off season workouts and killed it the next season.


Green should spend his entire summer with this guy: http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/los-angeles-clippers-chris-paul-injury-recovery-trainer-speed-doctor-nabie-fofanah-011816


Working on your own isn't the same, because you keep practicing the same things, the wrong way. Patty worked with him, but not for long enough. Simmons would benefit. But Danny should commit to the entire summer with him, if he really wants to do something to improve his game.

[YGWHI]

He's too athletic for this team.
Agree. Under 30? Too young and athletic wing for the Spurs.

Stick with the slow and old guys, Pop. That was your smartest move this postseason.

[palangi]

Yeah he is terrible. He doesn't create or get to the hole like our 10 million dollar man, Green.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1vtio6p5ZB0

[TXstbobcat]

Yeah he is terrible. He doesn't create or get to the hole like our 10 million dollar man, Green.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1vtio6p5ZB0

i was at that game. :toast Made the drive from Minneapolis to Milwaukee to see the Spurs.

[J_Paco]

I can point to four or five fringe perimeter players that washed out during their 10 - day contracts last season. Simmons is definitely amongst those fringe NBA guys, but what separates him is his good shot selection, above average athleticism and potential as more of a playmaker.

Obviously, he's too raw to be given that sort of responsibility but paired with a better wing and/or PG could be beneficial.

[TheGreatYacht]

Simmons has that fire... Something half the roster and the coach lacks. Keep him

[paperboy77]

One of them players that ... it all things go well.. could be pretty important to a team AND have that killer instinct. Although it still hurts how this year ended, I think next year will truly be great. Killer instinct is what allows you to have go back-to-back.

[coachmac87]

Yes, that would be nice for both players. Green, I think, does work on his game. He starts off every season with new parts of his game, but they fade away by the end of the season. We saw them stick with Danny Green 2.0 for the longest they ever did this past season, and I don't think it was encouraging.

Simmons has attitude problems. I don't mean that he's a bad character. I think his confidence is extremely fragile. I'm very curious to see if he can accept the coaching he may need to improve his skills. That's especially true, since he's lacking in intangibles more than anything else right now.

I feel like you set out false expectations for him..I really don't know what you expected to see from this past year. Pop is always hard on rookies and the Spurs system isn't the easiest and Pop himself said it takes 2 years to really grasp. I just don't see why they'd give up on him..his athleticism proved to be NBA level and he consistently penetrated the paint better then anyone not named Parker. He surprisingly was a 40% spot up 3pt shooter which showed there's potential there. He just didn't get consistent minutes to gain even more confidence..

Main reason I say you bring him back tho is him having a year in the system under his belt...replace him for a ring chasing vet? Sure. But other than that it'd be best to keep him

[Chinook]

Simmons is a dirty cheap practice player whose salary will be laughable under he new CBA. He's also someone RC can package in a trade if some lotto team is interested in a cheap bench player.

Simmons/Patty for Darren Collison is something I could see happening considering the Kings had James Anderson playing starters minutes last season.:lol

Simmons is a fringe player. His contract is only a steal if he proves to be a rotation player. Otherwise, he's just a mid-20s d-league prospect. Those guys are seriously available every year. There will always be about 35 percent of the league rosters for guys making what Simmons is making now. The CBA won't change that. He has to show he's better than that 35 percent to be considered good value. As of right now, he's not. He's not bad value or good value. He's just what he is. As far as trade value goes, it's sketchy. Some team may well like him. But for all the reasons I just said, I'm not sure he could bring back anything decent. He's just replaceable until he proves otherwise.

[Chinook]

I feel like you set out false expectations for him..I really don't know what you expected to see from this past year. Pop is always hard on rookies and the Spurs system isn't the easiest and Pop himself said it takes 2 years to really grasp. I just don't see why they'd give up on him..his athleticism proved to be NBA level and he consistently penetrated the paint better then anyone not named Parker. He surprisingly was a 40% spot up 3pt shooter which showed there's potential there. He just didn't get consistent minutes to gain even more confidence..

Main reason I say you bring him back tho is him having a year in the system under his belt...replace him for a ring chasing vet? Sure. But other than that it'd be best to keep him

What does that have to do with my post? I'm not arguing for Simmons being fragile was because of his play. I'm doing so because of his comments and how Pop handled him. Dude looked like he was trying to find an excuse to fail, and that's just not the attitude you need to play to the best of your abilities. We'll see how he responds in the off-season, but he has some shoring up to do.

[SAGirl]

What does that have to do with my post? I'm not arguing for Simmons being fragile was because of his play. I'm doing so because of his comments and how Pop handled him. Dude looked like he was trying to find an excuse to fail, and that's just not the attitude you need to play to the best of your abilities. We'll see how he responds in the off-season, but he has some shoring up to do.
I'll point out that he looked like not even a marginal roleplayer in preseason, when he was competing with others to make the team. I remember he appeared at times like he was going to get cut for Reggie Williams. Even Ndoye looked like a better project to develop at the time. Pop propped him up in the press a lot, apparently to help his confidence (based on observations in SL and training camp, bc he wasn't looking that great in preseason, Pop pointing out that "he still had to make the team").

Anyways, during the season he showed flashes of his athleticism and talent but when he looked like he was going to clinch a roster spot and Pop was starting to rely on him for real, he regressed heavily on both ends. Bad decisions, TO, bad fouls, porous defense. He was sent to the d'league and played very poorly there too. He again looked like he might have gotten cut for Kmart, so I understand exactly what you state concerning his mental toughness. He clearly has talent, but he wilts at times. Whether that is lack of focus, not being able to execute when its not just garbage time, not handling pressure well or what, is hard to tell.

That kind of unreliable play can get him benched quickly playing for Pop and if he doesn't become a more reliable player he will stay out of the 10 man rotation, which makes predictions that "he will be incredible" a little over the top. Having said that, I do hope he becomes more reliable.

[coachmac87]

What does that have to do with my post? I'm not arguing for Simmons being fragile was because of his play. I'm doing so because of his comments and how Pop handled him. Dude looked like he was trying to find an excuse to fail, and that's just not the attitude you need to play to the best of your abilities. We'll see how he responds in the off-season, but he has some shoring up to do.



What comments are you referring to?

[coachmac87]

I'll point out that he looked like not even a marginal roleplayer in preseason, when he was competing with others to make the team. I remember he appeared at times like he was going to get cut for Reggie Williams. Even Ndoye looked like a better project to develop at the time. Pop propped him up in the press a lot, apparently to help his confidence (based on observations in SL and training camp, bc he wasn't looking that great in preseason, Pop pointing out that "he still had to make the team").

Anyways, during the season he showed flashes of his athleticism and talent but when he looked like he was going to clinch a roster spot and Pop was starting to rely on him for real, he regressed heavily on both ends. Bad decisions, TO, bad fouls, porous defense. He was sent to the d'league and played very poorly there too. He again looked like he might have gotten cut for Kmart, so I understand exactly what you state concerning his mental toughness. He clearly has talent, but he wilts at times. Whether that is lack of focus, not being able to execute when its not just garbage time, not handling pressure well or what, is hard to tell.

That kind of unreliable play can get him benched quickly playing for Pop and if he doesn't become a more reliable player he will stay out of the 10 man rotation, which makes predictions that "he will be incredible" a little over the top. Having said that, I do hope he becomes more reliable.


Hes a rookie who made rookie mistakes...what's the surprise here? He lost confidence? I can name plenty of Spurs who lose confidence..including HOF players. Simmons is only SG on the team right now besides Green. Everybody agrees he's shown potential and he's cheap and he provides what the team needs.

Why are people even suggesting he should be gone?

[SAGirl]

Hes a rookie who made rookie mistakes...what's the surprise here? He lost confidence? I can name plenty of Spurs who lose confidence..including HOF players. Simmons is only SG on the team right now besides Green. Everybody agrees he's shown potential and he's cheap and he provides what the team needs.

Why are people even suggesting he should be gone?
I am not saying that at all, lol
I am hoping he improves. Where do you see me calling for him to get cut in my post?

What I am saying is that I can see issues with focus, concentration or mental toughness bc twice in the same season he looked about to get cut and it was not bc of a lack of talent.

[coachmac87]

I am not saying that at all, lol
I am hoping he improves. Where do you see me calling for him to get cut in my post?

What I am saying is that I can see issues with focus, concentration or mental toughness bc twice in the same season he looked about to get cut and it was not bc of a lack of talent.


First part of my post directed to you..

Second part directed to people in this thread suggesting him being let go

[ElNono]

Dunno what to think about him, tbh... either he'll overcome the bright lights or he won't make it... I think his first 3 months (if he lasts that long) next season are going to be crucial for him...

He's just a good story right now, and Pop doesn't have an infatuation with him like he does with Kyle, tbh... since they didn't draft Simms...

[TheGreatYacht]

Chinook is a smart dude, but he's a Green fan who doesnt see how lazy he is when it comes to his work ethic. He also doesn't admit how bad Green is when he's forced to create.

The other person is a Kyle fan who complains about Lallanes slow feet, lol. Simmons in his rookie season showed more flashes of brilliance than fat head did in two years. That's a fact.

Keep Simmons for 800K

[MaNu4Tres]

Lol at the people on here who think Spurs won't keep him on roster for 800k.

My goodness.

[SAGirl]

Dunno what to think about him, tbh... either he'll overcome the bright lights or he won't make it... I think his first 3 months (if he lasts that long) next season are going to be crucial for him...

He's just a good story right now, and Pop doesn't have an infatuation with him like he does with Kyle, tbh... since they didn't draft Simms...
I disagree with you on Pop though, I think Pop does like him a lot TBH. ^^^
He was about to get cut twice and hasn't bc they do like him a lot. Lest we forget they did cut Danny for mental farts once, and Butler was playing over Simmons at one point and he was cut bc Pop wanted to keep Simms as a development project (and Bonner as a pet apparently) and Pop has propped him up in the media a lot. I do think they like him. He's just really unreliable and despite all that athleticism, not that good defensively TBH.

[Chinook]

Lol at the people on here who think Spurs won't keep him on roster for 800k.

My goodness.

There isn't a single post on this thread that says the Spurs won't keep him. But his contract isn't even in the top 10 best bargains in recent team or min-contract history. And it's entirely possible he's not one of the top 15 guys out of camp this fall. Hell, he was 14th this past fall.

[TheGreatYacht]

There isn't a single post on this thread that says the Spurs won't keep him. But his contract isn't even in the top 10 best bargains in recent team or min-contract history. And it's entirely possible he's not one of the top 15 guys out of camp this fall. Hell, he was 14th this past fall.
You think the only player he was better than was Bonner?

C'mon now

[dabom]

I like his energy in the open court. Something the Spurs lacked besides Kawhi. I like this kid. He is still polishing his game awareness for the Spurs system.

[coachmac87]

Chinook is really becoming suspect on player evaluations tbh...

[Chinook]

Chinook is really becoming suspect on player evaluations tbh...

Crickets on that Martin take still.

[dabom]

Chinook is really becoming suspect on player evaluations tbh...

He over the hill already. And he seems to not care really. Losing his integrity. He is usually wrong on his assessments for a while.

[Chinook]

You think the only player he was better than was Bonner?

C'mon now

Bonner wasn't even competing, for better or worse. It was between Simmons, Butler and Jimmer.

[ElNono]

I disagree with you on Pop though, I think Pop does like him a lot TBH. ^^^
He was about to get cut twice and hasn't bc they do like him a lot. Lest we forget they did cut Danny for mental farts once, and Butler was playing over Simmons at one point and he was cut bc Pop wanted to keep Simms as a development project (and Bonner as a pet apparently) and Pop has propped him up in the media a lot. I do think they like him. He's just really unreliable and despite all that athleticism, not that good defensively TBH.

I think if there's only one roster spot left and it's Kyle vs Simms, Simms goes... and not necessarily because Kyle is the better player or has more upside...

I know I'm talking to a Kyle fan, but it's not personal, just my opinion. So yeah, they don't "hate" Simms, but I think he's on shakier grounds compared to other end of the bench guys.

[TheGreatYacht]

Bonner wasn't even competing, for better or worse. It was between Simmons, Butler and Jimmer.
Simmons was better than Fathead, Bonner, McCallum, Miller, Martin, Butler, and regular season Green

[ElNono]

Chinook is really becoming suspect on player evaluations tbh...

We had disagreements all the time, and that's exactly what being on a discussion forum is all about... if you're looking for likes or e-rep, there's always facebook or youtube, I guess...

[dabom]

We had disagreements all the time, and that's exactly what being on a discussion forum is all about... if you're looking for likes or e-rep, there's always facebook or youtube, I guess...

But thinking David West is gonna start next to lma next season. :lmao

[sasaint]

I disagree with you on Pop though, I think Pop does like him a lot TBH. ^^^
He was about to get cut twice and hasn't bc they do like him a lot. Lest we forget they did cut Danny for mental farts once, and Butler was playing over Simmons at one point and he was cut bc Pop wanted to keep Simms as a development project (and Bonner as a pet apparently) and Pop has propped him up in the media a lot. I do think they like him. He's just really unreliable and despite all that athleticism, not that good defensively TBH.

An earlier poster suggested that Simmons should shadow Kawhi this offseason. I would not be surprised if that were to happen. I always thought that Simmons performed better when he was on the floor with Kawhi. It seemed like they not only had good chemistry in their play but also a sense of camaraderie. Regardless, I expect good things from Simmons next season. I believe that perhaps the biggest thing Simmons could gain from hanging out with Kawhi would be a sense of calmness and composure. To me he has been playing with a sense of personal desperation that has undermined his play and is the basis for most of his problems. Extended time with the Spurs' silent assassin could be a real boon to Simmons.

[ElNono]

But thinking David West is gonna start next to lma next season. :lmao

I wouldn't be thrilled with that, tbh... :lol

[dabom]

I wouldn't be thrilled with that, tbh... :lol

:lol

[Chinook]

Simmons was better than Fathead, Bonner, McCallum, Miller, Martin, Butler, and regular season Green

Pretty much just Martin, who was just awful. Simmons was the worst defender on the team.

[ElNono]

I liked Simms defense, and Pop did put him on some tough tests... he won't shut down anybody, but I thought he was average and up...

His handles is his biggest problem. He's not much different than Danny Green in that aspect, but he needs to protect the ball better while driving... he's a good finisher...

It sounds silly, but it's those little things that can make a big difference between making the league or not...

[coachmac87]

We had disagreements all the time, and that's exactly what being on a discussion forum is all about... if you're looking for likes or e-rep, there's always facebook or youtube, I guess...

Easy...

[dabom]

I liked Simms defense, and Pop did put him on some tough tests... he won't shut down anybody, but I thought he was average and up...

His handles is his biggest problem. He's not much different than Danny Green in that aspect, but he needs to protect the ball better while driving... he's a good finisher...

It sounds silly, but it's those little things that can make a big difference between making the league or not...

A lot of those times. The center or pf never rotated over to help on defense. He was left on an island and failed. Like most players do. I think he was that manu mentality to over do things because he feels he is the "shooting" guard.

[coachmac87]

Crickets on that Martin take still.

No I pretty much said exactly what would happen lol..

You make it seem like I'm a player fan for K-Mart or something

[Chinook]

No I pretty much said exactly what would happen lol..

You make it seem like I'm a player fan for K-Mart or something

He was clearly worse than Butler (worst on the team in many statistical categories in fact). Those of us who actually looked at the situation knew that was going to be the case.

[dabom]

Kmart has always been trash. Pop doing the "right" thing and playing him in game 6 was stupid. :lmao

[dabom]

He didn't wanna lose the series and explain to him why he got no time but at the same time he is losing respect from his "real" players.

[palangi]

Chinook is really becoming suspect on player evaluations tbh...
Right! He wants us to bring LJC over for next years rotation. A guy that struggles mightily in his little French league. But yeah let's cut Simmons?:rollin

[coachmac87]

He was clearly worse than Butler (worst on the team in many statistical categories in fact). Those of us who actually looked at the situation knew that was going to be the case.

I'll say this. I said that Butler would be cut..

And Simmons will be on roster

[TheGreatYacht]

http://i.imgbox.com/YESw9Fjp.gif

https://giant.gfycat.com/SecondLoneGaur.gif
/thread

[palangi]

There isn't a single post on this thread that says the Spurs won't keep him. But his contract isn't even in the top 10 best bargains in recent team or min-contract history. And it's entirely possible he's not one of the top 15 guys out of camp this fall. Hell, he was 14th this past fall.


Chinook (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=37557)

Machacarredeshttp://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=37557&dateline=1351039977 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=37557)My TeamSan Antonio SpursPost Count14,759


No. Simmons more likely to get cut. Dude's not very good, plain and simple.

[TheGreatYacht]

Kyle Anderson this season:
1245 minutes, 350 points, 12 3-pointers, 52.8TS%

Jonathon Simmons this season:
813 minutes, 331 points, 18 3-pointers, 58.6TS%

Defensively, Simmons is easily the better player, and it ain't close.

[SAGirl]

An earlier poster suggested that Simmons should shadow Kawhi this offseason. I would not be surprised if that were to happen. I always thought that Simmons performed better when he was on the floor with Kawhi. It seemed like they not only had good chemistry in their play but also a sense of camaraderie. Regardless, I expect good things from Simmons next season. I believe that perhaps the biggest thing Simmons could gain from hanging out with Kawhi would be a sense of calmness and composure. To me he has been playing with a sense of personal desperation that has undermined his play and is the basis for most of his problems. Extended time with the Spurs' silent assassin could be a real boon to Simmons.
He thrives bc of all the attention Kawhi generates. Kawhi has become a star, he attracts double teams and a lot of attention, which leaves open a lot of lanes for Simmons cutting to the basket. That's an example of a star making teammates better. He can be a very nice relief valve for Kawhi, but he's not going to unseat Danny as the starter, who has an immense defensive burden that Simmons can't fill and our needs are huge in the bench instead.

So right now, he needs to learn how to play around guys who are not going to generate Kawhi's attention like the bench guys, when he could be the one looked up to be creating opportunities for himself or others, and when open drives will not be there for him and he has to create them using screens, and assessing the situation himself, etc. Next season I expect even more competition for him in the roster than he had this season bc Pop in general was not satisfied with our depth, so I expect Bertans to compete for backup SF minutes and for Pop to bring other guards: maybe pick 29 or an international prospect + a FA if Manu doesn't return. In that case, Simmons can start to get pushed out of the rotation by guys like Bertans, pick 29, a FA + KA. I expect the same for KA in terms of having to improve his shooting and being a guy they also look up to in the bench when there aren't other guys around him to get all the attention. Kyle's game is underrated by some on this board bc he doesn't need others to get attention away from him for him to be able to do his thing, he can get mismatches easily and he can dish and find players to set up easily, so even if he's not doing the scoring someone is. Simmons has been very up and down in that regard and very TO prone, not making good decisions, although you can see that the talent is there. It's questionable whether he has the mental fortitude to play under pressure bc he hasn't done well in those situations in the past. Meantime Kyle is cool and level headed pretty much all the time. I think both guys play really well and I would like to see them develop together as a tandem, but both guys need to improve their games and I don't think Pop has made it specifically easier for any one guy, unlike what ElNono (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8054) thinks (though I respect you Nono).

Lest we forget Kyle was getting a very rough treatment from Pop getting benched for entire games for a single mistake and being super strict with him. He just earned what he got fair and square. On top of that Kyle came back improved from season 1 to season 2, and they will perhaps be looking for him to make further improvements in season 3. Simmons has to do the same, take the criticism, work hard on his game, and come back a better player.

[ElNono]

If Bertrans comes over, he's gonna be glued to the bench for pretty much his entire first season, per the customary get over yourself goods, IMO

[timtonymanu]

Didn't think Simmons is all that special. He's older than Kawhi. There's no untapped potential there. I would keep him because the team needs more players that can penetrate but also wouldn't be surprised if he's cut.