Good review of Simmons' first season with the Spurs.
Some think he should have an increased role next season. In Air Alamo they basically state that should the Spurs prioritize Center and PG depth at FA, Simmons looks to have an increased role. I don't necessarily agree, but I do think he will stay with the team for his second season.
All things considered, the Spurs will probably only be able to afford one high-priced free agent acquisition. Considering that center and point guard look like higher priorities for the roster right now, that’s probably where that money will get spent.
If the Spurs are confident in their ability to grab an instant-impact player with their draft pick, center or point guard seems like the bigger need than shooting guard.
These logistical details bode well for Simmons ending up as the second-string shooting guard off the bench next season for the Spurs.
Last edited by SAGirl; 06-16-2016 at 07:23 PM.
Gotta wonder how much Manu coming back will hamper his PT
Jump shot improving!
Yes, it looks good
7/30/16 is the deadline for Spurs to decide on Jonathon Simmons’ $874,636 guarantee for 2016-17.
This vicaroge has been largely abandoned.
So he's been interviewed for SAExpressNews
For a chunk of June and July, Simmons began every workout with shooting coach Chip Engelland 2 feet from the basket, practicing his shooting form with one hand.
He did this for an hour each day without moving from his spot.
Simmons can’t say he broke a sweat during the immobile part of his daily routine. And yet he can say this:
“I worked my ass off to improve,” Simmons said.
The Spurs are betting their bench that Simmons’ deceptively hard work will pay dividends.
Simmons, 27, played in 55 games and averaged six points as late-blooming rookie. His approach hasn’t changed much heading into his second season, even if expectations for him have.
“I still feel new,” Simmons said. “I still feel there’s a lot of areas I need to improve to, for one, have Pop’s trust and the veteran guys on the team’s trust.”
Part of that is learning to trust his own jump shot, hence the offseason work with Engelland, the team’s shooting guru.
Simmons hit 38.3 percent from 3-point range last season. If he could nudge that to 40 percent, it would give him an added weapon to go with his raw athleticism.
Popovich has also talked to Simmons about simply playing solid, about sometimes settling for the safe play instead of the spectacular one.
“It’s about not making unforced errors,” Popovich said. “(Not making) mistakes that don’t have to be made because maybe a defender made a good play on you.”
Both sides of Simmons were on display in Wednesday’s preseason victory in Orlando.
In one third-quarter sequence, Simmons passed up an open 3-pointer to drive into traffic and was stripped of the ball. He atoned for the miscue by sprinting back to blow up the Magic fast break.
In the end, Simmons completed his most encouraging preseason outing with nine points, five rebounds and four steals — though he also committed five turnovers.
“It’s about getting more confident in between those lines now,” Simmons said. “I’m still tryi ng to find my way.”
Sounds like he's following in Manu's footsteps.... Turnobilli.
Honestly, Spurs need some players who play outside of the norm. There are only a few who can freewheel well.... Ginobili, Simmons, Murray, Laprovitolla. The last 3 our border line d-league players.
""It's tough. ... I just have to ease my mind a little bit more. I'm just thinking too much for various reasons." One of the main reasons? Simmons is concerned if he isn't playing that solid basketball Popovich preached to him last season and over the summer, any playing time will be short lived.
"I see a lot of plays," said Simmons. "But I'm thinking if I mess it up, what's the outcome? I'm thinking in between and not really playing my game."
Told about Simmons' problem, Popovich's advice was simple: "Just play the game and don't worry about getting snatched."
Added Popovich: "I have to try to give him room to make mistakes so he can be comfortable and not worry about if he makes a mistake it's going to be the end of the world for him. He's got to have a little more of a comfortable level and confidence. I think that helps a player to stop thinking so much and play the game. Beyond that, he's got to have the discipline to be solid.
better than kevin durant in first 1.5 quarters
"but but but he should be cut you guys! He doesn't deliver like Kyle."
The NBA is now the summer league for Simmons. He has arrived.
I told you guy 3 year freakin years ago this guy would be Manu's heir apparent for scoring off the bench. He has the athleticism of a Lebron James type of player, not as intelligent which is why he will never be a play maker like Lebron or Manu, but definitely can be a scorer like them.
And like I said, in the preseason 3 years ago, once this guy stops overthinking on his plays, skies the limit for him. Man, he really has shown it tonight and good for the Spurs. Great find by Pop and Co. and for hosting those open try outs for the Toros now Spurs.
Last edited by Cowboys_Wear_Spurs; 10-25-2016 at 10:45 PM.
He looks far more measured and controlled than before. Keep it up.
Playing smart and under control. Keep it up, young feller.
Gotta admit, we've been arguing over his floor but we're seeing his ceiling right now.
we all remember wht u said 3 years ago
CHECKING IN AFTER THAT CAREER HIGHLIGHT BLOCK!!!
Not talking to you b/c you're late to this discussion. Many questioned that this guy could be Manu's replacement and always believed he would be. I am glad the Spurs didn't cut him like some impatient people suggested.
But Dedmon can't be trusted. We need Joel Anthony as insurance!
Off topic but I've liked Dedmon this game minus his Jeff Ayres hands. Seems useful otherwise.
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