Article: Spurs' Simmons with Little Space for Error

[SAGirl]

It doesn't share much that we didn't already know, but it seems Pop is putting all of Simmons' mistakes in the context of his inexperience. He had never had a training camp before, and this is his first taste of NBA action. He is truly a rookie. The mental pressure of the game is getting to him, and when he makes a mistake, it affects his focus.

Simmons’ inexperience has showed at times during his inaugural NBA preseason, which continues Tuesday against Phoenix at the AT&T Center.Through four games, Simmons has made 1 of 10 shots, totaled nine turnovers and has enjoyed little opportunity to unleash the jaw-dropping athleticism that made him a star of the Spurs’ Summer League squad.
Sunday, with the Spurs clinging to a 96-92 victory over Detroit, Simmons committed a costly turnover, twice fouled the Pistons’ Marcus Morris on a 3-point attempt and rimmed out a quick-trigger 3-pointer of his own.
“I think he’s trying not to make mistakes, and when he does make one, it bothers him a little too much probably,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “But he’s a good player, and we’ll just see how he moves forward.”
Simmons does not disagree with Popovich’s assessment of his mental state.
A player who says he prides himself on keeping his emotions in check — “It’s just basketball,” he says — Simmons acknowledges his eagerness to please might be getting the best of him.
“I have limited space for error,” Simmons said. “I know I should move on to the next play, make it up on defense, but I have higher expectations out of myself. I want it so bad. I just have to relax and move on to the next play.”

These interviews came before the Suns game, where he was again bad. He may just be retained as a pet project and sent down to the D'league to work on those handles and that shooting a little more. If he sticks, he's Austin bound for sure. He needs to get his confidence back.

Here is the article: http://www.expressnews.com/sports/sp...or-6578092.php

[SPURt]

I'm not sure he's a "pet project". He is talented enough for other teams to sign and play him, I'm sure he would've had other options. I do respect that he is taking on the challenge of trying to be a bit player on the Spurs instead of another team (Brooklyn) where he'd have a shot at easier minutes.

I feel like a player trying out with the Spurs is risking more for less playing time. Had he flamed out in Brooklyn, surrounding talent and team culture can be blamed. If he flames out in SA the problem is likely with the player.

[BillMc]

It doesn't share much that we didn't already know, but it seems Pop is putting all of Simmons' mistakes in the context of his inexperience. He had never had a training camp before, and this is his first taste of NBA action. He is truly a rookie. The mental pressure of the game is getting to him, and when he makes a mistake, it affects his focus.



These interviews came before the Suns game, where he was again bad. He may just be retained as a pet project and sent down to the D'league to work on those handles and that shooting a little more. If he sticks, he's Austin bound for sure. He needs to get his confidence back.

Here is the article: http://www.expressnews.com/sports/sp...or-6578092.php

Thanks for that Op.

That quote about wanting it so bad but just have to relax makes me like Simmons more. He's got good perspective on himself. I'm rooting for him.

[dabom]

Simmons makes the cut.

[Ice009]

Man, I really hope that he can recover. He didn't too do well in the Suns game either, and this article was before that game, so hopefully he hasn't lost even more confidence since then. I still really like him, but he's just not doing it out there on the court. If Pop thinks he's a good player, then I hope that they can give him some more time to see if he can settle down and put his mistakes behind him.

Come on Simms, I know you can do it.

[ElNono]

Here's a shareable link to it:
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/sp...witter-premium

[SAGirl]

There is an interview from Pop when he mentions he was grateful Van Gundy kept his starters in during the Detroit game bc it helps him see who can play when the "lights go on basically." Simmons may be doing well in practice, but he doesn't do well in games. I do think they keep him. It seems even at his worst, they have good things to say about him, but he has not calmed down in games.

[daledondale]

OP isn't a girl but knows about basketball.

[ceperez]

It doesn't share much that we didn't already know, but it seems Pop is putting all of Simmons' mistakes in the context of his inexperience. He had never had a training camp before, and this is his first taste of NBA action. He is truly a rookie. The mental pressure of the game is getting to him, and when he makes a mistake, it affects his focus.



These interviews came before the Suns game, where he was again bad. He may just be retained as a pet project and sent down to the D'league to work on those handles and that shooting a little more. If he sticks, he's Austin bound for sure. He needs to get his confidence back.

Here is the article: http://www.expressnews.com/sports/sp...or-6578092.php

The team is as it is extremely deep, so Simmons will likely do stints in D-league to get his confidence back. He's a talented player, just needs to relax. I am sure that Pop has seen what he can do in practice.

The team is at least 10 deep not even counting McCallum and Marjanovic. Simmons plays when Manu is on DNP, simple as that. He's a rookie folks and probably will spend as much time with the Spurs as Anderson did last year.

[ceperez]

There is an interview from Pop when he mentions he was grateful Van Gundy kept his starters in during the Detroit game bc it helps him see who can play when the "lights go on basically." Simmons may be doing well in practice, but he doesn't do well in games. I do think they keep him. It seems even at his worst, they have good things to say about him, but he has not calmed down in games.

I would be absolutely shocked if Simmons gets waived. Highly unlikely.

[Chinook]

I wonder how he could have developed had the Spurs drafted him in 2012 instead of picking him up this late. He might have been a better player, or he might not have developed his play-making abilities. I don't think the Spurs will cut him. Pop seems to like him a lot, though he might just be talking up Simmons because he knows Johnathon is fragile.

I don't think time in Austin is the key, though. What more is he going to do there that he hasn't done already? He's not used to NBA-quality play. He's not going to get more used to it in the d-league. Only reason I'd want him there/here is to help Cady and Ndoye with their development, since we know he can get them the ball in good places.

[Chinook]

I would be absolutely shocked if Simmons gets waived. Highly unlikely.

Both Williams and Butler have outplayed him. Money is an issue they have to weigh, but it wouldn't be all that shocking to me.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

Guys he's fine.
He just needs to settle down. He not playing with scrubs anymore he's playing with several hall of famers.
Just give him time

[FromWayDowntown]

I think he'll stick with the team, but he's a pretty long way from the rotation at this point and doesn't even seem ready to see spot duty in the way that, say, Cory Joseph could at times in certain defensive situations in his earliest days (when he wasn't in Austin).

The flash of this summer was intriguing, but at some point, the inability to make plays (and to make the right decisions) in real game situations against real NBA players becomes a problem that cannot be overlooked. It's slightly worrisome that we're 5 games into the preseason and Simmons is still struggling with the ability to just relax and play. Time is on his side, but there's a reason to be concerned (so far) that he's either not as skilled as he appeared or that he might be too emotionally fragile to showcase those skills. Here's hoping he gets it worked out and can figure out a way to contribute.

[SAGirl]

I wonder how he could have developed had the Spurs drafted him in 2012 instead of picking him up this late. He might have been a better player, or he might not have developed his play-making abilities. I don't think the Spurs will cut him. Pop seems to like him a lot, though he might just be talking up Simmons because he knows Johnathon is fragile.

I don't think time in Austin is the key, though. What more is he going to do there that he hasn't done already? He's not used to NBA-quality play. He's not going to get more used to it in the d-league. Only reason I'd want him there/here is to help Cady and Ndoye with their development, since we know he can get them the ball in good places.

I would send him there to work on those handles a little more. That is key for his game IMO, and it saps all his confidence that he's afraid of turning the ball over or making mistakes. His ball handling problems were evident in the D'league as well, so its something he can work on over there. Other than that, the mental aspect of the game, and dealing with the pressure, I am not sure how he'll deal with that. Kyle was a 21 yr old slow-mo rookie and had to start games suddenly during a tough stretch of the season when Kawhi got injured. You can't go out there being scared, and you can't loose your focus bc you just threw an airball or had a TO. In fact, for rookies to make it in the league, its a cutthroat business, your opportunities are limited and you have to make the most of each and every one of them.

I feel like rookies who played in NCAA games as the featured guy have already built up some mental toughness, and some of their games, particularly in tournaments, are in front of loud crowds with a lot of pressure built up. Because of Simmons' unlikely path to the NBA, the mental toughness aspect is something that he maybe didn't develop.

I think it's one of those intangibles, but I feel like if his handles were better, it would help his confidence a whole lot.

[SAGirl]

I think he'll stick with the team, but he's a pretty long way from the rotation at this point and doesn't even seem ready to see spot duty in the way that, say, Cory Joseph could at times in certain defensive situations in his earliest days (when he wasn't in Austin).

The flash of this summer was intriguing, but at some point, the inability to make plays (and to make the right decisions) in real game situations against real NBA players becomes a problem that cannot be overlooked. It's slightly worrisome that we're 5 games into the preseason and Simmons is still struggling with the ability to just relax and play. Time is on his side, but there's a reason to be concerned (so far) that he's either not as skilled as he appeared or that he might be too emotionally fragile to showcase those skills. Here's hoping he gets it worked out and can figure out a way to contribute.

Agree with you fully here. It is a concern as you mention. After this interview, he went out there in the Suns game and was very bad again.

[ElNono]

I thought Manu would be a great mentor to him, and I wouldn't be surprised if Pop actually does designate him as Manu's pet project this season. I think the Spurs wanna see if he's blinded by the bright lights that came too suddenly... so it's gonna be a process with him. The amount of money they invested on him is small, so they can call the experiment off at any time.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

I think he'll stick with the team, but he's a pretty long way from the rotation at this point and doesn't even seem ready to see spot duty in the way that, say, Cory Joseph could at times in certain defensive situations in his earliest days (when he wasn't in Austin).

The flash of this summer was intriguing, but at some point, the inability to make plays (and to make the right decisions) in real game situations against real NBA players becomes a problem that cannot be overlooked. It's slightly worrisome that we're 5 games into the preseason and Simmons is still struggling with the ability to just relax and play. Time is on his side, but there's a reason to be concerned (so far) that he's either not as skilled as he appeared or that he might be too emotionally fragile to showcase those skills. Here's hoping he gets it worked out and can figure out a way to contribute.

True, but I think pop has learned his lesson about playing young projects early and the benefits of throwing them in the fire.
I think he'll get some burn throughout the season.
We need young legs to soak up regular season minutes.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Wow, exactly what I said. I think Simmons will eventually become a good player in the Spurs rotation. But he is just pressing too hard and making a lot of mental mistakes. This preseason is truly his first NBA LEVEL compe ive play. SL is glorified D-league tournament.

He will go back to Austin for a stint and will be back with the team mid year.

[spurs10]

Yes he's having a rough start. It make sense. They have a lot of pressure and the NBA is quite a talent pool. The bad guys are good enough to be in the NBA. Lucky for him he has that guaranteed money. It makes it a win/win situation for him. Reckon they keep him at the end of the bench or in Austin.

[ElNono]

I think he'll stick with the team, but he's a pretty long way from the rotation at this point and doesn't even seem ready to see spot duty in the way that, say, Cory Joseph could at times in certain defensive situations in his earliest days (when he wasn't in Austin).

The flash of this summer was intriguing, but at some point, the inability to make plays (and to make the right decisions) in real game situations against real NBA players becomes a problem that cannot be overlooked. It's slightly worrisome that we're 5 games into the preseason and Simmons is still struggling with the ability to just relax and play. Time is on his side, but there's a reason to be concerned (so far) that he's either not as skilled as he appeared or that he might be too emotionally fragile to showcase those skills. Here's hoping he gets it worked out and can figure out a way to contribute.

Yeah, I think it's fair to say right now that we don't know if he's an NBA player. But there's obviously something they like enough about him (athleticism, passing, court vision?) that makes them feel they can work him into shape.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He'd very likely be claimed if they waive him so I don't think they'd keep him only because of the guaranteed contract.

There's nothing the D-league can help him with. I don't see any purpose of keeping him because of this.

[silverblackfan]

I thought Manu would be a great mentor to him, and I wouldn't be surprised if Pop actually does designate him as Manu's pet project this season. I think the Spurs wanna see if he's blinded by the bright lights that came too suddenly... so it's gonna be a process with him. The amount of money they invested on him is small, so they can call the experiment off at any time.

This.

[KL2]

Rookies always need to go through the process of getting desensitized, that's when they start to calm down and let the game come to them. He hasn't played well but hasn't really had a lot of help, he's generally on the court with the 3rd stringers aside of the last game and Pop is still figuring out what kind of player he is. Overall it's too small of a sample size to judge him, people forget how badly Baynes, Splitter, Cojo, Hill etc. were in some of the earliest games of their career.


I do think the Spurs need Simmons more than people realize, and hope they develop his defense as much as possible this year. Even just a few spot minutes here and there for defensive purposes can be the small difference, that extra push the Spurs need to win. What are the Spurs going to do when Leonard gets injured or in foul trouble early? Or when Pop is having his fits and benches Green? Or when Porker is getting raped by some no name PG?

The Spurs need a quick agile guard to replace Cojo's defense, Simmons can potentially be that player. I don't expect him to be a star, but I think he can already be a much much better defender than the likes of Anderson, Butler, Williams, who all lack lateral speed, he's definitely their best option for that role atm. His transition defense in the d league was also pretty impressive, he was chasing people down and swatting them, and we know the Spurs need that transition defense, a guy who can go out there and run.

[BillMc]

Here's a shareable link to it:
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/sp...witter-premium

Thanks