Spurs Can’t Blame Simmons For Exploring Options

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3) One Shot:

• Jonathan Simmons once paid $150 bucks to try out for the Spurs, now he finally gets an opportunity to make millions of dollars. At 27, he is definitely defined as a late bloomer and this may be his sole opportunity to sign a major deal. So the Spurs and their fans shouldn’t blame the player for playing a little hard ball in free agency--this could be his only shot at making millions, he has to make it count. Simmons and his agent likely weren’t attempting to disrespect the Spurs but simply maximize this opportunity.

2) Role Player:

• Simmons at the end of the day is a bench player in the NBA so he doesn’t have the security that an all-star or even a typical starter has in the league. He doesn’t have the connections that typical players have. Realistically he is ONE serious injury away from his NBA career being over. So him trying to produce the best deal possible, with the most years possible is fair. If Simmons has a knee injury and the Spurs cut him then it would be looked upon as a good “business” move so that idea should work both ways. Depending on the climate of the NBA in a few years, Simmons isn’t guaranteed a contract with anyone--so many players have a similar skill-set.

1) Shining on the Magic:

• The Spurs are a championship contender yes but their roster is always going to be in flux because of their contention. Simmons going to a team like the Magic, a rebuilding team, gives him an opportunity to play more and prove more. Remember Simmons is likely trying to maximize his time in the league and to do that he has to play more and show his worth. The Magic will likely have more minutes for him to display his game and this gives him the opportunity to play beyond his current three- year deal. Sure he could have gotten the same opportunity with the Spurs or he could have found himself stuck on the bench for a stretch throughout the year (like in 2017). Remember, If Leonard didn’t get hurt in the playoffs Simmons wouldn't of had an opportunity to shine. Its not about ego its about maximizing his NBA dream.