Jonathon Simmons Shines In Becky Hammon’s Historic Debut

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LAS VEGAS — The San Antonio Spurs fell to the New York Knicks in their Las Vegas Summer League debut. As is the case with almost all Summer League games, the outcome mattered less than the process and in this case, the sheer act of the game happening at all. San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon became the first woman in NBA history to be the head coach of a summer league game. In the end, the Spurs fell 78-73, but only after Hammon drew up the famed HORNS play out of the timeout. It worked, Kyle Anderson found Jerrell Eddie open in the corner, Eddie just missed the shot. Hammon called the game a learning experience for both her and the players.

“I don’t know if I wanted that experience my first time, but like I said I really learned a lot,” Hammon said. “Going forward, you know, we’ll continue to grow as a group. I’m growing with these guys just as much. They’re taking my knocks as much as I’m taking theirs.”

If not for Hammon’s debut, the story that would’ve gotten the most buzz is the play of Jonathon Simmons, who agreed to a deal with the Spurs roughly 24 hours before his Spurs Summer League debut. Simmons came off the bench and immediately sparked the Spurs, picking up 4 points, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 rebounds. Simmons was such a late add to the game that NBA.com’s box score didn’t even have him in the system yet. Simmons would finish with 16 points, 2 assists, 3 steals and 6 rebounds. Hammond described the 2 year D-League vet as a “fire starter,” saying his athleticism is a welcomed addition to the roster.

“Obviously the first thing that jumps out at you is just his athleticism and overall I would say the Spurs, we’re not really known for athleticism but he certainly brings that to the table,” Hammon said.

Simmons, who’s two-year contract is fully guaranteed for the first year, has never even received a training camp invite. Despite that, he said his two years playing with the Austin Spurs prepared him for Friday’s call.

“I’m real comfortable with the system,” Simmons said. “They believe in me so I believe in my work ethic that I can play at this level.”

Hammon, who Simmons said he’s had conversations with since she came on board with the team last summer, said he treated her like any other coach.

“I mean, she’s the coach. So I just listen to her and do whatever she tells me to do,” Simmons said.

Kyle Anderson led all scorers with 23 points, shaking off a sluggish start to trick defenders with hesitation and step back moves to find a lot of open looks. Former Ohio State University point guard Shannon Scott was the only other Spur in double figures with 10 points. The Spurs play the Milwaukee Bucks at 5:30 Sunday.

  • Ryan McShane
  • GoSpursGo

    I am pretty excited about McCallum and the Serbian Hulk. Watching Simmons highlight real, I just don’t really see him getting minutes except in cases of back to backs or injuries. Hopefully he will prove me wrong, or at least keep Kyle Anderson motivated.

  • spurs10

    Yes I think he will inspire KA and I like his energy. Not so sure he isn’t a step ahead in KA, whom I like. He seems more athletic and aggressive.

  • DorieStreet

    Spurs tcb in addressing the needs of the retooled roster.

  • GoSpursGo

    I guess my taake on it is that every year, we have a few athletic swings that look like they could be the real deal, but every year, those guys don’t make the rotation. I see this guy as a poor mans Alonzo Gee, and Gee couldn’t get minutes.

    I also think he is a bit cocky and not at all humble (little things like holding his follow through and watching his shot go in after taking a three chest thumping after a dunk), but maybe playing with the big team will cure him of that.

    If nothing else, he adds a body at the end of the bench, but I think that Green, Diaw, and Anderson will probably play back up 3 the most. Or even West of LMA if they want to go big.