Simmons reminds me of...

[playbonner15]

what Richard Jefferson shoulda been. But now you want him to take over Green's role and park him at the corner 3?? And then you gon want him to get paid big time. Pop knows that wont fly anymore. We already got an RJ 2.0 and thats LMA

[Russo21]

Simmons has been fantastic. 6pts on 50% shooting for quite an old rookie and bringing the energy. He could be the wingman we've been missing and replace the irreplaceable Mr Ginobili off the bench when he hangs em up. I like what I've seen from him.

LMA isn't RJ 2.0. RJ en sucked. He is already far and away the best big Duncan has paired with since the Admiral set sail. And just like Simmons is only 22 games into his Spurs career. Hopefully they are both on the up n up for SA. LMA is averaging 16pts, 9reb, 2blk in just 29 minutes. And it seems every time LMA is on the way to a monster night the Spurs are blowing the other team away and he sits the whole 4th quarter so can't pad his stats. Both great pieces to the puzzle and hopefully only going to get better.

[SpursFan86]

Even if someone does think Simmons is a starting-caliber player in the NBA at this point (a bit of kneejerking), I have a hard time believing he'd be a good fit in the starting lineup. Just don't see him getting the chance to utilize his best strengths while playing alongside Parker/Kawhi/LMA (guys who will be getting the vast majority of touches).

I'd probably rather start KA and leave Simmons coming off the bench, even though I think Simmons is the better player at this point.

[SAGirl]

Posted this in another thread so I will be brief:
He's really athletic which will net him easy baskets and he can pass well.
His style is best suited for the bench, which likes to run in transition.
His defense will be exposed in the SL because he doesn't negotiate screens well and he looses track of his assignment.
He has other minor issues. He's still prone to fouling and turning the ball over, an issue if he were to start and get more minutes. He also cramps the space up if he's not hitting the 3 pt shot.

He has improved however, and hopefully he can get better at his deficiencies.

Overall though, we need Danny to get his groove or mojo back.

[kuato]

Simmons is the Kawhi of the 2nd unit, put him with Boban and we have Spurs unit A and Spurs unit A-2

[playbonner15]

Im all for JSimms playing with the bench. But hes not fit for the starting unit. KA might work but hes streaky so i dunno who Pop will use. Rasual Butler maybe? Havent heard from my sauces inside the locker room.

[SupremeGuy]

So which got dusted off this alt?

[Brian Windhorst]

I mean ideally we're all rooting for Danny to return to form AND for Simmons to turn out to be a starting caliber player.

But if DG is going to shoot 30% from three and get torched by Lou Williams on D for the rest of the season, you pretty much have to make a change soon. Either Simmons needs to get up to speed which will probably take all season or you have to figure out whether Anderson can hit a corner three and defend the starting guards of the league.

I'm actually of a mind that Simmons makes more sense with the starters than KA so long as Kawhi is shooting >40% from three. Neither is a great shooter, but having someone who can get to the rim at will opens things up for Kawhi and Lamarcus on the outside and vice versa. Part of our problem right now is that when we get into our 2nd and 3rd actions, we're asking Danny Green to initiate something from the wing. Having a guy that can slice through the lane while the defense is still moving side to side will draw a ton of fouls and get a ton of good looks for whoever is under the basket.

[playbonner15]

LOL at mods changing the le of the thread . That wasnt intentional I apologize..............

[playbonner15]

I mean ideally we're all rooting for Danny to return to form AND for Simmons to turn out to be a starting caliber player.

But if DG is going to shoot 30% from three and get torched by Lou Williams on D for the rest of the season, you pretty much have to make a change soon. Either Simmons needs to get up to speed which will probably take all season or you have to figure out whether Anderson can hit a corner three and defend the starting guards of the league.

I'm actually of a mind that Simmons makes more sense with the starters than KA so long as Kawhi is shooting >40% from three. Neither is a great shooter, but having someone who can get to the rim at will opens things up for Kawhi and Lamarcus on the outside and vice versa. Part of our problem right now is that when we get into our 2nd and 3rd actions, we're asking Danny Green to initiate something from the wing. Having a guy that can slice through the lane while the defense is still moving side to side will draw a ton of fouls and get a ton of good looks for whoever is under the basket.

It does make sense if LMA likes to launch those jumpers. Simmons, Parker will cut, LMA and Kawhi will make those Js and Duncans gonna be Duncan

[SAGirl]

It does make sense if LMA likes to launch those jumpers. Simmons, Parker will cut, LMA and Kawhi will make those Js and Duncans gonna be Duncan

We are going to be a very low scoring bunch since only Kawhi in that bunch can shoot the 3.
Simmons is a terrific cutter to the basket though. He will be able to score. Are you taking shots away from Parker and Kawhi though? Nope.

[Yuixafun]

I mean ideally we're all rooting for Danny to return to form AND for Simmons to turn out to be a starting caliber player.

But if DG is going to shoot 30% from three and get torched by Lou Williams on D for the rest of the season, you pretty much have to make a change soon. Either Simmons needs to get up to speed which will probably take all season or you have to figure out whether Anderson can hit a corner three and defend the starting guards of the league.

I'm actually of a mind that Simmons makes more sense with the starters than KA so long as Kawhi is shooting >40% from three. Neither is a great shooter, but having someone who can get to the rim at will opens things up for Kawhi and Lamarcus on the outside and vice versa. Part of our problem right now is that when we get into our 2nd and 3rd actions, we're asking Danny Green to initiate something from the wing. Having a guy that can slice through the lane while the defense is still moving side to side will draw a ton of fouls and get a ton of good looks for whoever is under the basket.

Well said. Post more.

[Yuixafun]

We are going to be a very low scoring bunch since only Kawhi in that bunch can shoot the 3.
Simmons is a terrific cutter to the basket though. He will be able to score. Are you taking shots away from Parker and Kawhi though? Nope.

The final answer maybe then is Manu back in the SL. (playoffs of course)

Takes care of the 3 point shooting, secondary and tertiary movements, playmaking, driving and guts.

Anderson/Simmons do their best to be Manu in two people on the bench, add Boris with his vision and passing... means Mills and Green can just catch and shoot all day.

Second unit would really be a Summertime unit.

Simmons Green Mills with all that speed and quickness, Boris and Anderson with the playmaking and pacing... Mills and Simmons with the cuts, Mills and Green and Anderson sometimes Boris with the 3 ball, Anderson and Boris in the post even...

[SAGirl]

But if DG is going to shoot 30% from three and get torched by Lou Williams on D for the rest of the season, you pretty much have to make a change soon. Either Simmons needs to get up to speed which will probably take all season or you have to figure out whether Anderson can hit a corner three and defend the starting guards of the league.

I think Pop is trying to find out of all 3 at the moment which is the best:
1. Whether Danny will get it together
2. Whether Simmons can be adequate to play in a postseason in his rookie year
3. Whether he trusts Anderson with anything at this point or not.

For me Anderson is being developed for the future. This year is not about him. He's working on stuff, his defense, his passing, probably his 3 pt shot and other stuff behind doors... and Pop is being super strict with him. I have seen him conduct the offense for short stretches, not very well, but also not terribly bad. He's growing at his own pace. If he were to start, it would not even be for his benefit, but for the team. He's a low usage player, who is ideal for half court offense with the SL. My problem is that the SG spot is assigned to defend quickie guards.

Simmons is probably the best in that regard, although far from ideal.

I still stand our best chance rests with Danny... but obviously like you said, if he's going to continue this trend of low % shooting and bad defense then yes, Pop has to try a different guy. In that case, I would give the nod to Simmons first.

[playbonner15]

We are going to be a very low scoring bunch since only Kawhi in that bunch can shoot the 3.
Simmons is a terrific cutter to the basket though. He will be able to score. Are you taking shots away from Parker and Kawhi though? Nope.

Pops trying to break away from the 3pt shooting, overpassing team they cooked up that the league is now imitating. So it makes sense that they go back to the grit nd grind 2pt old school offensive scheme

[daledondale]

Sure, let's follow BB advices of someone who want make Bonner plays.

[SAGirl]

Pops trying to break away from the 3pt shooting, overpassing team they cooked up that the league is now imitating. So it makes sense that they go back to the grit nd grind 2pt old school offensive scheme

We'll see.
Let me know what you find.

Pop has said even though he's not a fan of the 3 pt shot... you can't win a championship without 3 pt shooting.
As much as Pop gave a chance to Tony last year to get it together, I believe he will do the same with Danny, so long as Danny keeps up his defensive focus. He failed at D last night and thus we got the outcome we got.

[Yuixafun]

Pops trying to break away from the 3pt shooting, overpassing team they cooked up that the league is now imitating. So it makes sense that they go back to the grit nd grind 2pt old school offensive scheme

Yea it's like a power running game in football.

You wear the other team out on the defensive and offensive possessions.

Spurs might emerge to be the type that breaks you down for 3 quarters and then knocks you out.

End the Bench Mob buries you.

[playbonner15]

Sure, let's follow BB advices of someone who want make Bonner plays.

Made this account when Matty ushered the dawn of the stretch 4. Remind me to make a PlayBoban alt

[cd98]

Ugh. Simmons isn't better than Jefferson. They play him and he gets his numbers against scrub teams like the Lakers. He won't see the light of day vs top tier teams. Please stop overrating him.

[daledondale]

Made this account when Matty ushered the dawn of the stretch 4. Remind me to make a PlayBoban alt

[bic50]

Ugh. Simmons isn't better than Jefferson. They play him and he gets his numbers against scrub teams like the Lakers. He won't see the light of day vs top tier teams. Please stop overrating him.

I don't think anyone's overrating him, but he's been a pleasant surprise considering how Dg has been in his slump so far. He's making the best of his opportunities and getting a bit of praise for it. But he's barely starter material right now and is really only getting any minutes right now because green is struggling. But as a fan you have to atleast be pleased that's he's been able to step up a bit.

[sasaint]

Yea it's like a power running game in football.

You wear the other team out on the defensive and offensive possessions.

Spurs might emerge to be the type that breaks you down for 3 quarters and then knocks you out.

End the Bench Mob buries you.

And just like football, this kind of game relies on strong D and playing with the lead. I credit Pop with being smart enough to not want to try to beat the Warriors at their own game. Forcing them to match up with our big line-up is a much better strategy than trying to match their undeniably excellent small ball line-up with our personnel.

[sasaint]

Ugh. Simmons isn't better than Jefferson. They play him and he gets his numbers against scrub teams like the Lakers. He won't see the light of day vs top tier teams. Please stop overrating him.

Some of us have been following Simmons since summer league, and we have seen him make very good progress. I don't think many of us believe he is a starting caliber player against every team in the league at this point. But based on BOTH Danny's struggles AND Simmons' progress, many of us are hoping that his development will continue in the same trajectory and might even accelerate if he were to start - especially against middle and lower tier teams. I, for one, am not rooting for Simmons more than I am rooting for Danny. Ideally Danny will return to form and Simmons will continue to develop into a starting caliber player in his own right. Two weapons are better than one.

In addition, a few of us hope (dream?) that Simmons will be able to step into the Manu role when he retires. (Do not misunderstand: I do not expect Simmons to fill Manu's legendary sneakers, but provide a similar multi-dimensional athletic spark when he enters a game.) So with that in mind, I hope that he becomes a starting caliber leader of the second unit - but that is probably not gonna happen this year.

One thing that has been said in other threads is that pairing Simmons with Kawhi seems to work very well for both players at present. So whether Simmons starts or not, I hope that pairing is maximized.

[Mr Bones]

Comparing LMA to Jefferson is just plain silly. He's teaming with Tim & Kawhi to form the best defense in the league, he's leading the team in rebounds, & the team is 19-5. And that's after only one quarter of a season.