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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. College Jerseys . The catch: It needs a lot of money, and it needs it fast. NBA Jerseys . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. 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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals signed veteran catcher Drew Butera to a $3.8 million, two-year contract Friday, keeping him as the primary backup to four-time All-Star Salvador Perez.Butera will make $1.5 million this season and $2.3 million next season.The 33-year-old Butera appeared in 56 games last season, setting career-bests with a .285 average, four homers and a .480 slugging percentage. He was at his best down the stretch, when the Royals were out of the playoff hunt, hitting .355 in the final 12 games of September and October.He also can play first base and made two pitching appearances last season.In other mooves, left-handed reliever Tim Collins elected free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Omaha.dddddddddddd. Collins missed the entire season after Tommy John surgery.The Royals also purchased the contracts of pitchers Andrew Edwards and Jake Junis from Omaha and catcher Cam Gallagher and first baseman Samir Duenez from Double-A Northwest Arkansas, protecting them from the Rule 5 draft.The Royals cleared roster space by designating catcher Tony Cruz for assignment. ' ' '