Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said that he and Neil Olshey, the team's vice president of basketball operations, will look at ways to improve the team.
"There's things that come across the desk that you look at and talk about," Del Negro said. "But unless there is something that Neil and myself feel can make us a better team. . . .
"Obviously I'm very pleased with our team right now. . . . I have a lot of confidence in our guys. But if there is something that makes us a stronger team, then we'll discuss it and take a look at it."
Simmons a former teammate of Jeremy Lin
When Simmons played his first stint in the NBA Development League with the Reno Bighorns during the 2010-11 season, one of his teammates was none other than Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks sensation who has been perhaps the biggest story in the NBA this season.
Simmons said he and Lin played about 10 games together for Reno last season. Lin had been sent down to the D-League by the Golden State Warriors and Simmons was trying to work his way back into the NBA after nine years in the league.
Like Lin earlier this season, Simmons got his chance when the Clippers signed the 6-6 swingman to a 10-day contract on Monday.
"It's all about opportunity, for guys like Jeremy and myself," Simmons said. "Now I'm just glad I got my opportunity."
The Clippers had been looking for scoring production off the bench behind starting small forward Caron Butler. Their hope is that Simmons, who previously spent two seasons with them (2003-05), can provide that.
He averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 21 games for Reno this season.
Simmons last played in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs last season, appearing in just two games.
Martin still dealing with injuries
Del Negro said backup power forward Kenyon Martin's ribs and back "are better, but still are bothering him" after four days off for the All-Star break.
Del Negro said Martin may have bruised ribs and that it "may take a few weeks" before they heal.
"But Kenyon is a tough guy and he'll battle for us," Del Negro said. "We'll monitor that and see how he feels."
Martin came out of last Wednesday night's game against Denver in the third quarter and didn't return.
Del Negro said Martin had back spasms against the Nuggets.
"He practiced [Monday]," Del Negro said. "We sat him out of the end of practice, just [as] more of a precautionary thing."
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