Jonathon Simmons isn't dwelling on the lack of a proper offer from the San Antonio Spurs during this past summer, but rather looking forward to the performances he can put forward with his new team, the Orlando Magic.

The former walk-on tryout of the Austin Toros is now sporting a three-year, $20 million deal with his new team, now with a bigger opportunity to showcase the talent he displayed throughout his stint under coach Gregg Popovich.

“I actually think I struggled in the Spurs system because I was like this (in and out) all of the time,’’ said Simmons, according to NBA.com's John Denton, referring to the 14.8 and 17.9 minutes a game he played in two seasons in San Antonio. “Pop always wants you to slow down and learn a lot of things and that’s was great for me because I learned a lot. But now I think it’s time to release the animal inside of me.’’

Jonathon Simmons
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Simmons showed his mettle in the postseason at times, becoming the team's leading scorer in the absence of star forward Kawhi Leonard, who went down with an injury.

But even after leaving during free agency, the once undrafted forward only became more aware of the business that is the NBA over this offseason.

“(Leaving San Antonio) didn’t make me mad at all. For one, with all of the things that I’ve been through (in contract negotiations), it makes me understand the business of basketball a little more,’’ Simmons said prior to facing the Spurs on Friday. “I know now to never get emotional about (contract talks) because sometimes things just happen and you have to make the best out of it. I think I made the best out of it by coming here to Orlando and I’m making the best out of it with this team.”

“Pop understood that and I explained that to him,’’ added Simmons, referring to his desire for a bigger role on the team. “I told him that I just couldn’t play at the highest level that I wanted to there (in San Antonio). I want to become great and play against those elite guys every night myself. He tipped his hat to me and told me if I ever needed anything else from him he’d be there for me. We still have a great relationship and I’m looking forward to seeing him.’’

Jonathon Simmons, Gregg Popovich
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Simmons led the bench in scoring with 17 points in a surprising 114-87 win against his former team, shooting an efficient 8-of-13 from the field and registering a plus-19 effort in the rout.

The 28-year-old now has a more prominent role with the up-and-coming Magic, who find themselves atop the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 record this season.