Simmons in Spurs camp with point to prove

On the court at the Spurs' practice facility on Tuesday's first day of training camp were five All-Stars, a two-time Most Valuable Player, two NBA Finals MVPs, a Sixth Man Award winner and a forward once named the league's Most Improved Player.

For Bobby Simmons, the NBA's 2005 MIP after averaging 16.4 points per game for the Clippers, Tuesday's first camp session was his first step in a quest to prove he still belongs in the league. He came to San Antonio without a guaranteed contract, but with an understandable chip on his shoulder after a nightmare season in New Jersey.
“The organization wanted to go in another direction, as far as developing the young guys,” Simmons said. “As far as the veterans, they said ‘If we can get you out of here, we will.' But after the trade deadline, we were stuck there. There was nothing we could do.

“As a veteran, I took the punches and continued to work out and tried to get better. As far as playing, that wasn't an option.

“It was tough, probably tougher than the (stress reaction) injury I had (in 2006). I was healthy and ready to play and wasn't given an opportunity. I figured when we weren't winning in the beginning I would get that opportunity, but it didn't happen at all.”

He jumped at the Spurs' non-guaranteed camp invite because he believes he can compete for a roster spot for a coach who values hard work and defense.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he likes what he has seen from Simmons.

“Bobby's been impressive,” he said. “He came here without a guarantee and wanted to show that he's better than what the conventional wisdom says.”