Pirate Galaxy » before Snitker restored order.Snitker gave

SAN ANTONIO -- Former Spurs forward Tim Duncan made an appearance at the teams training camp workout Wednesday, just two days after coach Gregg Popovich joked he would fine the future Hall of Famer $2,500 for each day he was absent.But even with Duncans surprise appearance, his role within the organization remains a work in progress.When I got done arguing with him about why hes been fined for not showing up the last few days, we got that out of the way first. Most people under contract are required to show up for their jobs, Popovich said jokingly. He said he didnt have a contract. But I told him I thought we had a verbal contract, and I thought that was just as good as written. Were having a tough time right now, the two of us, trying to get him straight. Hes always been tough to manage, especially so now that hes retired.One of the cornerstones of San Antonios five NBA championships, Duncan announced his retirement in July after 19 seasons with the team. He served as a spectator as the club scrimmaged Wednesday and could be seen conversing with former teammates as they took part in an after-practice shootaround.Popovich mentioned Monday that Duncan would remain involved with the team and joked that he would be the coach of whatever he feels like. Popovich said there is no room for Duncan on the bench during game situations and joked that hes too smart for that anyway.The coach was unsure whether Duncan would take part in some road trips, saying the organization just want[s] to let it kind of morph into its own sort of thing.Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said the plan is to let Duncans role evolve. Duncan lives fairly close to the teams practice facilities, and his car customization business, BlackJack Speed Shop, is less than five minutes from the clubs practice site.Like Popovich, Buford said Duncans role will be whatever he decides it to be. But first the club would like Duncan to adjust to life after basketball, while finding the niche in which hes most comfortable.I think hes learning about life after playing, Buford said. And he can impact us in so many ways. I think we need to sit back and get a better understanding of how he feels like he wants to fit in and what works for his family. Then well figure it out from there. But the gym feels better when hes in it.New acquisition Dewayne Dedmon agreed.Oh, definitely, Dedmon said. He was one of the best to ever do it. So its always a plus when he comes around.Dedmon said he has already received some coaching tips from Duncan, who told the new Spurs center that I need to talk more, communicate more on defense. Ill be doing that next time. He says a couple of words to you, lets you know what you need to do.Given the fact the Spurs brought in 12 new players among the 20 on the roster, several of the new acquisitions plan to absorb as much information as possible about the clubs culture from Duncan, who played a significant role in creating it.He has as much knowledge about being in the NBA as anybody who has ever played the game, said David Lee, an 11-year veteran and two-time All-Star who joined the Spurs in August after spending the 2015-16 season with the Dallas Mavericks. He has a great feel for the game, perhaps the best of all time. Thats someone Im definitely going to listen to whenever he has something to say. Blue Edwards Jersey . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. Karl Malone Jersey . 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ATLANTA -- Brian Snitker finally was given his most-cherished prize for four decades of service to the Atlanta Braves.Snitker was hired by the Braves as their full-time manager on Tuesday, rewarded for helping reverse the teams direction in his interim role this season.The Braves finished last in the NL East but won 20 of their final 30 games under Snitker, who became interim manager on May 17 after Fredi Gonzalez was fired. Snitker had a 59-65 record, including 37-35 after the All-Star break.Despite the strong finish under Snitker, the Braves also interviewed former managers Bud Black and Ron Washington.Snitker, who turns 61 next week, was hired for the 2017 season with a club option for 2018. He said the contract wont be a problem.No, I trust everybody, Snitker told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from the teams organizational meetings in Orlando, Florida.I understand how all this works. Im good with it. Would I like a five-year deal? Absolutely, but Im good. Im going to go do the best job I can regardless of the contract situation. Its something I dont think will ever be a stickler for me at this point.The Braves also announced Snitkers staff.Washington became the third-base coach and Chuck Hernandez is the new pitching coach. Theres also bench coach Terry Pendleton, first base coach Eddie Perez, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, assistant hitting coach Jose Castro and bullpen coach Marty Reed.Snitker has been with the Braves since joining the organization as a player in 1977. He served as Atlantas third base coach from 2006-13 but spent most of his four decades with the organization as a minor league manager. He had been the manager at Triple-A Gwinnett before replacing Gonzalez on an interim basis.He said his long service with the organization made Tuesdays news especially satisfying.It makes you feel good, he said. It validates all the hard work.When Sniitker was named Atlantas interim manager, it was widely thought the team would look outside the organization for a new skipper to take the team into its first season in new SunTrust Park.ddddddddddddInstead, Snitker won over the players and front office. Atlanta was 9-28 when Gonzalez was fired and appeared bound for 100 losses at 18-46 before it began a dramatic turnaround under Snitker.Brian earned this opportunity through his dedication to the Braves and to our players, general manager John Coppolella said in a statement. We are excited for the energy and momentum he will bring into SunTrust Park next season.Atlantas strong finish under Snitker, bolstered by the additions of rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson and veteran left fielder Matt Kemp, boosted expectations for next season.Braves president John Hart said last week the season had been spiraling out of control before Snitker restored order.Snitker gave credit to his players.These guys never quit, he said. When I got there they had been beat over the head pretty good with the record and all.Hernandez, 55, was the Braves minor league pitching coordinator this season, his 31st as a coach. He was the Marlins pitching coach from 2013-15. The Marlins 3.71 ERA in 2013 and 3.78 in 2014 were the two best in franchise history.He spent the 2016 season working closely with many of our young, talented pitchers who will be such an important part of our future, Coppolella said.Washington, 64, spent the last two seasons on Oaklands coaching staff after managing the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014.Coppolella said Washingtons experience as a manager will be an asset to everyone on the club. His tireless work ethic, up-beat attitude and tremendously high baseball IQ will benefit our players and our staff. ' ' '