Spurs soon to announce they are bringing back Ime Udoka [Archive] - Page 2

SenorSpur

11-24-2010, 12:10 PM

Terrible signing. I'd have preferred the Spurs kept Green, who's younger, more athletic, quicker, longer and has a higher upside. He could potentially be a better version of Udoka. Udoka never could shoot and hasn't been able to defend for a few years now. Basically, he's a worse version of Bogans.

Green most certainly, had his flaws, but I have to admit that I would've rather seen the Spurs keep him instead of Udoka. For the short term and from a transition perspective, I get the justification for the Udoka signing. However, Udoka wasn't real good for Sac-Town last year. He now looks like he's in rapid decline. I don't know what kind of defender Green would've made, but I have to believe that he could equal, maybe surpass, any type of contribution that Udoka will make.

TJastal

11-24-2010, 12:17 PM

Now that you've posed an actual question, I'll respond.

1. Go the boxscores and add up the minutes played by the 5 bigs. Compare that number to 96. It's no longer a given that some smallball will be played every night. As the games add up, a distinct trend away from smallball is readily apparent.

2. There are varying degrees of smallball. I focus on the two major variations. Smallball vs. conventional 2 big configurations used by the opponent and smallball to match up with an opponent's small line up. Smallball vs. conventional configurations has virtually disappeared this season. All, or nearly all, of the Spurs smallball minutes have been played against small line-ups used by the opponents. 5 useful bigs and one legit SF on the current roster have made the use of small v. tall almost non-existent.

3. RJ's well documented problems as a smallball 4 were when he was used against conventional line-ups. That failed experiment ended, for all intents and purposes, after the All-Star game last season. So we see RJ as a smallball 4 against teams that play small like Chicago or OKC. So to answer one of your questions, I would much prefer to see RJ matched up against Deng or Sefalosha than Udoka.

4. That wasn't the use of Udoka that was my concern. As stated, RJ has been used almost exclusively to match up with small line-ups used by the opposition. My concern with Udoka's presence on the roster is that he will be used vs. conventional 2 big configurations employed by the opposition. He was used in that capacity with some frequency during his first stint with the Spurs.

5. My concern is that Udoka's presence will reverse the trend away from smallball by increasing the worst kind of smallball; smallball vs. tallball. I am concerned that Udoka's presence will result in a net increase of smallball.

I guess I'm not all that concerned. I'll be quite happy not to see Jefferson play the 4 the rest of the season and even more happy never to see a micro-ball lineup that includes Gary Neal as a SF.

With Udoka as a small ball 4, the spurs shouldn't get overpowered too badly on the boards (Udoka is a surprisingly tough rebounder for his size and can easily check the offensively challenged Sefalosha, and can chase Deng around out on the perimeter). IMO.

Sure we might see a few more minutes of small ball per game but what if it actually works against conventional lineups? Might be nice to actually make teams fear & adjust to us for a change instead of always the opposite.

And I know people are sick and tired of hearing me talk about Matt Barnes but good golly, this man would have been perfect for this role. :bang

jag

11-24-2010, 12:20 PM

When Ime comes in and starts poo pooing on defenses I wanna see some apologies.

The Truth #6

11-24-2010, 12:26 PM

So the consensus all of a sudden is that Ime is going to be in our rotation. Even if true, they can still cut him if he doesn't produce, right?

Mel_13

11-24-2010, 12:29 PM

I guess I'm not all that concerned. I'll be quite happy not to see Jefferson play the 4 the rest of the season and even more happy never to see a micro-ball lineup that includes Gary Neal as a SF.

With Udoka as a small ball 4, the spurs shouldn't get overpowered too badly on the boards (Udoka is a surprisingly tough rebounder for his size and can easily check the offensively challenged Sefalosha, and can chase Deng around out on the perimeter). IMO.

Sure we might see a few more minutes of small ball per game but what if it actually works against conventional lineups? Might be nice to actually make teams fear & adjust to us for a change instead of always the opposite.

And I know people are sick and tired of hearing me talk about Matt Barnes but good golly, this man would have been perfect for this role. :bang

Arguing for and against smallball in the same post. You are flexible. :lol

We'll have to agree to disagree about Udoka's ability to chase around a player like Deng on the perimeter. He couldn't do it when he was here before, so I doubt he can do it now. You're usually wrong about these things, but I honestly hope that you're right this time. I strongly believe Ime will get the minutes as the backup SF, so I'll be rooting for his success.

Finally, you really do need to drop the Barnes thing. He didn't want to be here anymore than the Spurs wanted him here. It's a very dead horse.

Mel_13

11-24-2010, 12:31 PM

So the consensus all of a sudden is that Ime is going to be in our rotation. Even if true, they can still cut him if he doesn't produce, right?

They can cut anybody, but they're much more likely to cut a player whose contract is not guaranteed. I don't believe we know the details of Ime's contract yet.

The Truth #6

11-24-2010, 12:38 PM

They can cut anybody, but they're much more likely to cut a player whose contract is not guaranteed. I don't believe we know the details of Ime's contract yet.

Yeah, that's what I'm getting at. If his role is to be a place holder until Anderson returns, then that implies he would be then be cut, at least I think. However, isn't there a rule on the number of 10 day contracts that can be awarded to a player in a row? In other words, for Ime to be on the team for 2 months, does he have to be offered a more guaranteed form of a contract?

jag

11-24-2010, 12:39 PM

When Ime D's up Dirk, I wanna see some apologies.

MaNu4Tres

11-24-2010, 12:40 PM

Who will get more time at the 4/5, Udoka or Splitter? :stirpot:

Dex

11-24-2010, 12:41 PM

They can cut anybody, but they're much more likely to cut a player whose contract is not guaranteed. I don't believe we know the details of Ime's contract yet.

Yeah we really dont know anything yet. 11 pages (so far) of speculation over one tweet by Monroe.

Cry Havoc

11-24-2010, 12:44 PM

These threads blow up so fast it's freaking impossible to read them.

Mel_13

11-24-2010, 12:45 PM

Yeah, that's what I'm getting at. If his role is to be a place holder until Anderson returns, then that implies he would be then be cut, at least I think. However, isn't there a rule on the number of 10 day contracts that can be awarded to a player in a row? In other words, for Ime to be on the team for 2 months, does he have to be offered a more guaranteed form of a contract?

Players on non-guaranteed contracts right now are essentially on day-to-day contracts. They can be cut at any time with no future financial cost to the team. For these players, January 10th is a very important day. All contracts in effect on January 10th become guaranteed for the remainder of the season.

Beginning January 10th, teams can offer ten day contracts. They can offer two consecutive ten day contracts to a player. After that, they must either waive the player or sign him to a guaranteed contract for the remainder of the season.

Blackjack

11-24-2010, 12:46 PM

These threads blow up so fast it's freaking impossible to read them. :smokin

MaNu4Tres

11-24-2010, 12:48 PM

these threads blow up so fast it's freaking impossible to read them. :smokin

#smgdh

The Truth #6

11-24-2010, 12:50 PM

Players on non-guaranteed contracts right now are essentially on day-to-day contracts. They can be cut at any time with no future financial cost to the team. For these players, January 10th is a very important day. All contracts in effect on January 10th become guaranteed for the remainder of the season.

Beginning January 10th, teams can offer ten day contracts. They can offer two consecutive ten day contracts to a player. After that, they must either waive the player or sign him to a guaranteed contract for the remainder of the season.

Thanks.

ChumpDumper

11-24-2010, 12:50 PM

And I know people are sick and tired of hearing me talk about Matt Barnes but good golly, this man would have been perfect for this role. :bangDrink!

jag

11-24-2010, 12:52 PM

Matt Barnes drinking game ftw.

Blackjack

11-24-2010, 12:55 PM

#smgdh

#gjmmsmmfgdh

TJastal

11-24-2010, 12:56 PM

Arguing for and against smallball in the same post. You are flexible. :lol

Well what I'm getting at is maybe Pop can start doing the dictating of matchups, and the small ball lineup with Udoka @ PF keeps the spurs viable in the rebounding wars as well as providing ultimate spacing and shooting. And maybe if Pop remember he has a guy named Splitter on the bench he can start dictating taller lineups as well, and really start keeping other teams off balance.

We'll have to agree to disagree about Udoka's ability to chase around a player like Deng on the perimeter. He couldn't do it when he was here before, so I doubt he can do it now. You're usually wrong about these things, but I honestly hope that you're right this time. I strongly believe Ime will get the minutes as the backup SF, so I'll be rooting for his success.

I'll take "usually wrong" as a backhanded compliment I guess. Btw, I don't think Udoka can do a worse job than Bonner did chasing Deng off pick and rolls.

Finally, you really do need to drop the Barnes thing. He didn't want to be here anymore than the Spurs wanted him here. It's a very dead horse.

Aww come on Mel13, you know how Chumpdumper looks forward to his drinking games and such.

Mel_13

11-24-2010, 01:01 PM

We disagree on plenty, but we both believe Ime will get his minutes. Here's to Ime's success.:toast

ElNono

11-24-2010, 01:15 PM

Yeah we really dont know anything yet. 11 pages (so far) of speculation over one tweet by Monroe.

It's official:

Spurs Sign Ime Udoka (http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/spurs_sign_ime_udoka_101124.html)

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Nov. 24, 2010) - The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have signed guard/forward Ime Udoka. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Udoka (#5, 6’5”, 220, 8/9/77) returns to San Antonio after spending the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons with the Silver and Black. In his two seasons with the Spurs, he appeared in 140 games, averaging 5.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 16.8 minutes. In 21 career playoff games, all with the Spurs, Udoka averaged 5.0 points and 3.3 rebounds.

In his six-year NBA career, Udoka has averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 296 games. He spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, where he played in 69 games and averaged 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per game.

He enjoyed his best campaign during the 2006-07 season when he started 75 games for Portland, averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 28.6 minutes per game. He shot a career-best .461 (237-for-514) from the field and .406 (89-for-219) from three-point territory. Udoka has also played for the L.A. Lakers, in 2003-04, and the New York Knicks in 2005-06.

Undrafted out of college, Udoka has spent time in NBA Development League, USBL, IBA and internationally in Spain and France. In 2005-06 he was named to the All-NBA D-League First Team and was also the recipient of Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award after averaging 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 45 games for the Fort Worth Flyers. Udoka began his D-League career in 2002-03 with the Charleston Lowgators. He also represented Nigeria at the 2006 FIBA World Championships, where he averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Udoka closed out his college career at Portland State where he led the Vikings in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots during the 1999-2000 season. He was also named First Team All-Big Sky Conference and selected as the league’s Newcomer of the Year. Udoka began his college career at Eastern Utah and spent a year at University of San Francisco before arriving at Portland State.

Texas_Ranger

11-24-2010, 01:18 PM

Welcome back you dog.

ElNono

11-24-2010, 01:34 PM

Once upon a time in Spurstalk...

Udoka gave good effort but his athleticism fell off the cliff this past season. His knee injuries caught up to him and he was a defensive specialist who wasn't that good at defense. On offense, Udoka never did figure out which shots he should take and which shots he shouldn't take.

If he returns next season, that will be a wasted roster spot.

Udoka is Finley minus the jumpshot. Let him walk.

I apologize to Udoka in advance but .......

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/28/Obama_GTFO.gif

If the Spurs wanted a slow and unathletic defensive player who shoots inconsistently from 3...they would have just kept Udoka.

If this were a Spurs game, Ime Udoka would be subbed in and the Lakers would go on a 55-7 run.

:pctoss:pctoss:pctoss:pctoss

Also

Bogans >>>>>> Udoka.

Welcome back, Ime... :lol

Spurs Brazil

11-24-2010, 01:38 PM

Terrible choice. He was already done in 2009

Blackjack

11-24-2010, 01:39 PM

Udoka can clearly come in here and do a better job of doing the job that Simmons couldn't do and neither should really be doing. No doubt. :tu

JustinJDW

11-24-2010, 01:45 PM

James Anderson needs to hurry his ass back.

Darkwaters

11-24-2010, 01:48 PM

Feeling the Ime love here.

Hes probably here in case theres a royal rumble on the court. I hear hes good in a fist fight and has a mean right hook.

DieHardSpursFan1537

11-24-2010, 02:00 PM

I thought we saw the last of Udoka, but well what do ya know? He's back.

Shit.

crc21209

11-24-2010, 02:03 PM

I was hoping it was only a dream, but damn it...it's official. :td

jag

11-24-2010, 02:05 PM

Anyone who is overly upset or overly excited about this signing is being ridiculous.

Ime has a decent midrange J, and when confident, he has a solid outside shot. He actually has a really nice stroke. The biggest problem he had on offense was not knowing when to shoot. I don't think he'll have that problem with this team. He won't have to handle the ball and he won't have to create. I think the pressure of his previous role really messed with his head. He won't be asked to do near as much this time.

He doesn't have lateral quickness and he doesn't have hops. He does have strength, though. And he's pretty much built to guard a guy like Ron Artest.

At his best he'll knock down open 3's and compete on defense. At his worst he'll miss an open J, get taken off the dribble and wind up on the bench. It's not anything we haven't seen with George Hill.

All in all, I like the signing because Ime was always a standup guy and a very hard worker. The Spurs could do much, much worse.

And if nothing else, Ime will beat that ass.

Ime Udoka: Part Baller, Part Ninja (http://thesilverandblack.blogspot.com/2007/12/ime-udoka-part-baller-part-ninja.html)

Chomag

11-24-2010, 02:08 PM

I can understand getting stuck with a washed up player but why actively sign a washed up player? I just don't understand. I know its for the 11th spot not 13th like others are saying as Anderson is injured and I would put him ahead of Quinn in the line up. Still, why sign a washed up player to it?

elec99

11-24-2010, 02:10 PM

Well, we've (so far) have seen rejuvenation in RJ and Bonner, maybe Ime's got something he hasn't shown us.

jag

11-24-2010, 02:13 PM

Chomag

11-24-2010, 02:14 PM

dbestpro

11-24-2010, 02:14 PM

I like the signing. He can deliver the occasional hard foul to any wing that is going off. Udoka, as an indivdual player, would not be that great. But, as a Spur, we get somebody who is knows the system and is not afraid to mix it up. He can hit the occasional three, but that is not why he was brought here. Physical play is his forte and he will only be used on an as needed basis. We already have enough offense for now and you just are not going to find anyone who can contribute come playoff time in the D-league.

Chomag

11-24-2010, 02:19 PM

Luckly this is not a team breaker or anything. It just seems like a waste. Things could be much worse I'm sure.

jag

11-24-2010, 02:25 PM

A solid outside shot? I just think you just got quoted saying the opposite a minute ago "scroll up" just saying .

I was quoted as saying he was inconsistent from outside, which he is. I also said....when he has confidence and just let's it fly, he can be solid from outside.

You can't expect it all the time, and when he's unable to produce he'll find himself on the bench. In the past, he was being asked to guard the opposing teams best perimeter player and was on the floor during long stretches of poor production.

TJastal

11-24-2010, 02:26 PM

Chomag

11-24-2010, 02:29 PM

I was quoted as saying he was inconsistent from outside, which he is. I also said....when he was confidence and just let's it fly, he can be solid from outside.

You can't expect it all the time, and when he's unable to produce he'll find himself on the bench. In the past, he was being asked to guard the opposing teams best perimeter player and was on the floor during long stretches of poor production.

Ahh I see, solid and inconsistent just mean two very different things to me. Sorry, it looks like I just lost you in translation.

jag

11-24-2010, 02:39 PM

Ahh I see, solid and inconsistent just mean two very different things to me. Sorry, it looks like I just lost you in translation.

When he's on, he's solid from deep. When he's not on, he'll lay bricks. That's what makes him inconsistent from 3. Ray Allen doesn't have to be "on" to knock down threes, he just has to be open. That's what makes him a consistent 3-point shooter.

Don't give up, you'll get.

Tp9gospursgo

11-24-2010, 02:46 PM

ugh...the arm....

quentin_compson

11-24-2010, 02:58 PM

I'm a little bit nervous about this. Ime has been here before and he's a veteran, so chances are Pop will indeed play him which, in all frankness, shouldn't be the case.

poop

11-24-2010, 03:06 PM

we need to put him on a steroid regimine

AusSpursFan

11-24-2010, 03:07 PM

+1

Defenitely agree with you Jag, Ime's toughness will defenitely come in handy vs the lakers. Tbh, for that one matchup I'd rather have Ime than Anderson.

Nice story too btw. That is some funny shit wish I could have seen it.

you have to be kidding, Ime over Anderson? What juice have you been drinking? In the short glimpse of Anderson's career to date he is all over Ime. He is much quicker on D and his offensive game is 1000% better. The only thing Ime has going for him is his work ethic. To me, Ime has to be nothing more than a stop gap solution, Anderson needs to get the minutes when he returns. Anderson, like Dejuan, Hill and Splitter compliement this team perfectly right now and each has the promise of something more in the years to come. Ime is merely operating out of his suitcase day to day.

ElNono

11-24-2010, 03:11 PM

Because with a former player they know what they'll be getting, and obviously that's what they want.

They didn't know what they had when they let him walk?

gospursgojas

11-24-2010, 03:20 PM

Anyone who is overly upset or overly excited about this signing is being ridiculous.

I don't think its the signing as much as the role he might or might not play on the team that has everyone upset. If he's the 13th man, or 10th while Anderson is out, than fine. The fear that Pop might again fall into old slow vet who supposed to play d but doesn't love, is legitimate.

Supergirl

11-24-2010, 03:22 PM

"It is expected Udoka will sign for the seven-year veteran minimum, $1.146 million."

Um. No.

gospursgojas

11-24-2010, 03:24 PM

"It is expected Udoka will sign for the seven-year veteran minimum, $1.146 million."

Um. No.

Hes been in the league that long.

TJastal

11-24-2010, 03:26 PM

you have to be kidding, Ime over Anderson? What juice have you been drinking? In the short glimpse of Anderson's career to date he is all over Ime. He is much quicker on D and his offensive game is 1000% better. The only thing Ime has going for him is his work ethic. To me, Ime has to be nothing more than a stop gap solution, Anderson needs to get the minutes when he returns. Anderson, like Dejuan, Hill and Splitter compliement this team perfectly right now and each has the promise of something more in the years to come. Ime is merely operating out of his suitcase day to day.

RIF

I said I'd rather have Ime for ONE matchup and that matchup happens to be an important one, Ron Artest.

You can be damn well sure once the playoffs roll around Artest will ratchet up his physical play about 3 notches just like he did last year and that's when having a bigger stronger version of Bogans will come in handy.

I realize Anderson is a big strong kid in his own right, but who knows really even IF he'll make it back to the rotation in time for the playoffs and even IF he'll be able to make a contribution.

duncan228

11-24-2010, 03:31 PM

Udoka returns as Manu insurance (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/24/udoka-returns-as-manu-insurance/)
Jeff McDonald

...“He’s someone I can put in the basketball game and feel confident he knows what’s going on,” Popovich said. “In our situation now, he gives us great insurance that we can have another body to put on the floor.”

The Spurs’ “situation,” of course, is a lack at depth at small forward, a problem exacerbated earlier this month when rookie James Anderson was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot that required surgery. Popovich is fearful of overburdening Ginobili, who’s had to fill in some at small forward, and to a lesser extent Tony Parker.

“I don’t want to end up overplaying Manu,” Popovich said. “Over time, if we continued this way, we could very well end up overplaying Manu and Tony. I want to make sure we don’t do that.”

Popovich views Udoka, 33, as a more trustworthy option to eat up minutes than unproven players like, Alonzo Gee and Danny Green, who had recently held down that roster spot.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/24/udoka-returns-as-manu-insurance/

Obstructed_View

11-24-2010, 03:34 PM

Maybe Manu's ankles and knees are worse than anyone had let on. Anyways, I heard Ime was amazing in practice...

DPG21920

11-24-2010, 03:36 PM

Was Simmons correct? If Manu is worse than anyone knows health-wise, it would make sense to bring someone in who knows the system that can step in right away to limit minutes.

Baseline

11-24-2010, 03:39 PM

Matt Bonner just called. He's extremely happy with the Ime signing, and added, "Now maybe the ST hate will subside, and I can mow down my footlong turkey and swiss subs in peace."

jjktkk

11-24-2010, 04:15 PM

For whatever reasons Pop and the FO are fixated on short small forwards. I don't get it. Fortunately he won't play very many minutes.

Ummm, no. Please provide a list of sfs, 6'7" or taller, whose willing to sign for the vet. minimum, and, at the very least, competes on the defensive end.

Chomag

11-24-2010, 04:21 PM

Don't give up, you'll get.

I was actually wondering how long it was going to take for your usual unneeded cheap shots. I was surprised it took that long actually.

I misunderstood you and even apologize for it but whatever if it makes you feel better right?

To me when someone says a player is inconsistent I don't see that as being solid. Looks like we just see those terms used differently.

gospursgojas

11-24-2010, 04:24 PM

Pop saying that Ime was brought in directly for Manu insurance, worries me. Maybe Bill was right about Manu's health, maybe its just Manu's injury prone history that inspired Pop to the signing

Chomag

11-24-2010, 04:24 PM

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/24/udoka-returns-as-manu-insurance/

looks like more and more Pop has some rotational plans for Ime. It's way to early to have anything but speculation we will have to see.

All kidding aside, I hope there is nothing going on with Manu that we don't know about

jjktkk

11-24-2010, 04:41 PM

Chomag

11-24-2010, 04:49 PM

For all the posters who hate this signing, and I understand your concerns, can you please provide a list of available sf types, willing to sign for the minimum, that is a upgrade over Udoka. Jarvis Hayes? Old, unathletic, not know for his defense. Good 3-point shooter. Jerry Stackhouse? Old. Bobby Simmons? Been there, done that. I can't see the Spurs making a trade for a sf, since I believe they were Happy with Anderson's play before his injury and wouldn't want to stunt his develpment by trading for a backup sf. Udoka, due to Anderson's injury, will probably play alot more minutes than he should, but once Anderson is back to full health, I don't see Udoka getting significant minutes, if he isn't even waived once Anderson returns.

Or with Pop's track record we could see Anderson buried untill at least next season in favor of a vet for corporate knowledge. If you don't play for awhile Pop tends to easily forget you are even on the team anymore.

I think it's the track record that is making some of us feel uneasy, but we can allways be proven wrong right?

ChuckD

11-24-2010, 04:50 PM

looks like more and more Pop has some rotational plans for Ime. It's way to early to have anything but speculation we will have to see.

All kidding aside, I hope there is nothing going on with Manu that we don't know about

What's going on with Manu is they probably want him playing the perimeter minutes he was playing at the beginning of the year, and not banging and wrestling with SFs.

xtremesteven33

11-24-2010, 04:52 PM

This isnt a "great" signing but its not as bad as people make it out to be. Udoka is smart player who plays hard. Hopefully he starts making his 3's. But he is a good passer and a good rebounder..

I know hell be better than Green.

UnWantedTheory

11-24-2010, 05:07 PM

Da Udoka! BAM!

The Truth #6

11-24-2010, 05:08 PM

Just don't guarantee his contract. He may know the system but its doubtful he's going to be very good. Hopefully he can hold his own.

jjktkk

11-24-2010, 05:14 PM

Or with Pop's track record we could see Anderson buried untill at least next season in favor of a vet for corporate knowledge. If you don't play for awhile Pop tends to easily forget you are even on the team anymore.

I think it's the track record that is making some of us feel uneasy, but we can allways be proven wrong right?

Pop's history with playing rookies would suggest that. My argue with Anderson though, is Anderson has already proven he can consistantly hit the 3, plus anderson has shown the ability to defend. Anderson looked like a vet. out on the court. Didn't seem intimidated at all. My hope is Anderson will return to form and make Udoka irrelevant.

jjktkk

11-24-2010, 05:17 PM

What's going on with Manu is they probably want him playing the perimeter minutes he was playing at the beginning of the year, and not banging and wrestling with SFs.

+1. IMO the main reason Udoka was signed. The last thing the Spurs need is for Manu to wear down, playing out of position, banging with bigger sfs.

angelbelow

11-24-2010, 05:27 PM

Anyone who is overly upset or overly excited about this signing is being ridiculous.

Ime has a decent midrange J, and when confident, he has a solid outside shot. He actually has a really nice stroke. The biggest problem he had on offense was not knowing when to shoot. I don't think he'll have that problem with this team. He won't have to handle the ball and he won't have to create. I think the pressure of his previous role really messed with his head. He won't be asked to do near as much this time.

He doesn't have lateral quickness and he doesn't have hops. He does have strength, though. And he's pretty much built to guard a guy like Ron Artest.

At his best he'll knock down open 3's and compete on defense. At his worst he'll miss an open J, get taken off the dribble and wind up on the bench. It's not anything we haven't seen with George Hill.

All in all, I like the signing because Ime was always a standup guy and a very hard worker. The Spurs could do much, much worse.

The Ime that I watched, this past year with the Kings (cause i had evans on my fantasy team =p) and the Ime I saw with the spurs was an extremely poor shooter. Esp last year. He doesn't know when to shoot in the worse way, hes a black hole. Once he gets it he shoots regardless of whether its a good shot or not. He won't be asked to do much because hes done. He hasnt been an NBA level player since he was a blazer.

Spurs really couldn't do much worse... the Ime last year had no shot, no defense, seemingly no IQ, I'm not confident that he'll contribute on any level. Therefore its disappointing to see that we're wasting money on this guy.

rascal

11-24-2010, 05:31 PM

Spurs are firing on cylinders right now. Pop is, apparently, in the groove. As a 13th man? You can do worse. Front court involves duncan/mcd/blair/bonner/splitter, backcourt of parker/ginobili/neal/hill/rj/anderson. How the hell could udoka not compliment that? In a limiter role, what does he bring to the table that's bad? Sure, every 13th man has his weaknesses, but I think Udoka has some strengths too.

As a role player, he's a terrible signing. But right now? Sounds like a great third-string insurance policy.

Insurance for what, an injury? If he is stuck having to play because of injuries the spurs are screwed.

Obstructed_View

11-24-2010, 06:11 PM

Pop's history with playing rookies would suggest that. My argue with Anderson though, is Anderson has already proven he can consistantly hit the 3, plus anderson has shown the ability to defend. Anderson looked like a vet. out on the court. Didn't seem intimidated at all. My hope is Anderson will return to form and make Udoka irrelevant.

I hope so too. The only reservation I have is that there are a lot of guys that proved they could play to everyone but Pop. I'd be much more philosophical about a signing like Ime if there weren't the history related to Pop's love of crappy vets over talented young players.

Mel_13

11-24-2010, 06:18 PM

Contract details (non-guaranteed) and interview courtesy of the Oregon press:

Ime Udoka said it felt like old times Wednesday as he went through a shootaround with the San Antonio Spurs, who signed the Portland native to a free agent contract.

"It's great to be back, and I know the system," Udoka, 33, said by telephone from Minnesota, where the Spurs were scheduled to play the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. "The coaches know what I do from my two years, and I know the terminology and fit right in. And I'm very comfortable with the guys."

Udoka, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward who was expected to play Wednesday, rejoined a team he played for in 2007-08 and '08-09.

Udoka became a free agent this summer after averaging 3.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 13.7 minutes in 69 games for Sacramento last season. He worked out for Chicago in the summer, declined several offers to play overseas and remained picky about NBA opportunities.

"I didn't want to go to camp just for a sake of going to camp," said Udoka, a standout at Jefferson High School and Portland State. "I understood it might be a little slower with a down personal year for me last year with a team that wasn't that good in Sacramento."

Udoka said he has been in Portland, working out six days a week with a personal training, calling the effort "my own personal training camp." He was called to San Antonio for a workout last week.

"I'm in great, great shape," Udoka said.

Udoka, who will be paid the veteran's minimum of $1.146 million, signed a non-guaranteed contract, meaning the deal won't become guaranteed unless he is still on the roster Jan. 10.

After taking a long route to the NBA - he played six years professionally in minor U.S. leagues and in Europe before playing a full NBA season, in 2006-07 with the Blazers - Udoka says he's especially thankful to land back in a quality franchise.

"Being with the Blazers and San Antonio in the past, good organizations, I wanted to find another," he said. "Me being a veteran, I think I'm more valuable to a veteran team. Not to say Sacramento was negative or anything last year, but I'm definitely a better fit for a team like San Antonio."

After making the Blazers as a training camp invitee in 2006-07, Udoka started all 75 games he played in and averaged 8.4 points and 3.7 rebounds. He then landed a two-year deal with San Antonio, where he played 140 games and averaged 5.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

It appeared Udoka might get a second stint with Portland as he was invited to the Blazers' 2009 training camp. He said he was told there was one available roster spot, and he and veteran center Jarron Collins would compete for it. However, both were waived Oct. 21, with the final spot given to rookie point guard Patty Mills.

"Me and Jarron Collins were competing for that last spot, and we figured whoever outplayed the other would get that spot, and we both got cut the same day," Udoka said. "That's what we found more of a shock, that they didn't keep one of us like they said they would."

Udoka said his focus after that was to stay positive. He landed the spot with Kings, and now something even better - a spot on the team with the NBA's best record (12-1) and an 11-game winning streak heading into Wednesday's game.

Udoka said he’s been told he’ll back up both shooting guard Manu Ginobili and small forward Richard Jefferson.

"They're rolling right now, so for me, it's coming in, helping out, hit open shots and guard people," Udoka said. "Just like before."

http://blog.oregonlive.com/nba/2010/11/ex-blazers_news_jefferson_high_and_portland_state_gra de_ime_udoka_expected_to_rejoin_spurs.html

objective

11-24-2010, 06:47 PM

I don't get the people who post stuff like "all these posts in a giant long thread about a 10-13th Man??!?!"

If you guys want a Spurs forum that's a ghost-town, they're out there for you.

angelbelow

11-24-2010, 07:03 PM

I don't get the people who post stuff like "all these posts in a giant long thread about a 10-13th Man??!?!"

If you guys want a Spurs forum that's a ghost-town, they're out there for you.

+1. Its really quite annoying. Another good one is "look at all these people panicking or freaking out."

Ive never understood comments like this.

ThePop

11-24-2010, 07:14 PM

Ugh, next thing you know Vaughn will put a uniform on

Texas_Ranger

11-24-2010, 07:26 PM

Ugh, next thing you know Vaughn will put a uniform on

I heard Kevin Willis wants to come back.

Fundamental

11-24-2010, 07:26 PM

If he sees significant minutes any game this season i will shit a ping pong paddle, sideways.

:lol wait...which way is sideways???

Obstructed_View

11-24-2010, 07:29 PM

I heard Kevin Willis wants to come back.

Kevin won't come back; he doesn't spread the floor.

Chomag

11-24-2010, 07:30 PM

+1. Its really quite annoying. Another good one is "look at all these people panicking or freaking out."

Ive never understood comments like this.

People comming to Spurstalk and then complaining about "Spur's talk" allways gives me a chuckle.

Ice009

11-24-2010, 07:36 PM

Of course Ime is going to get some minutes..why do you think that we're all angry over this?..

If he was only going to play in blow-outs or remain in a suit, nobody would care..

Actually, now that I think about it would you guys like to have him on the team as a Tony Massenburg type of player that mainly plays in garbage time or when we need a few minutes as an enforcer? I think he could be worth keeping in that role, but I don't want him anywhere near the regular rotation.

We could use an enforcer.

Spursmania

11-24-2010, 07:36 PM

I heard Kevin Willis wants to come back.

Heard Malik Rose was in Minnesota to suit up for the Spurs like the good old days. Pop was exstatic.:lol

Mel_13

11-24-2010, 07:38 PM

Actually, now that I think about it would you guys like to have him on the team as a Tony Massenburg type of player that mainly plays in garbage time or when we need a few minutes as an enforcer? I think he could be worth keeping in that role, but I don't want him anywhere near the regular rotation.

Then you may want to avert your eyes about 9-10 minutes into the first quarter tonight when RJ heads to the bench.

PublicOption

11-24-2010, 07:39 PM

until Anderson gets back.

Chomag

11-24-2010, 07:43 PM

I heard Kevin Willis wants to come back.

Nah, we don't need another big. Hmm, so whats Dale Ellis or Chuck Person doing these days, they might be available?

duncan228

11-24-2010, 07:45 PM

Udoka will be in uniform tonight vs. Minny. Spurs only have 12 healthy bodies. Uncertain if he'll play, but he could.

arodz

11-24-2010, 07:49 PM

Spurs retreads never work out. He'll be cut by all star break.

LeCrab

11-24-2010, 07:50 PM

what is on ime's arm?

TD 21

11-24-2010, 07:57 PM

Udoka won't be Spurs 13th man, he will be their 10th man until Anderson came back. He will get some minutes which is the main reason why Spurs went after him instead of going with a project who isn't NBA ready.

Of course Ime is going to get some minutes..why do you think that we're all angry over this?..

If he was only going to play in blow-outs or remain in a suit, nobody would care..

I don't know why so many don't seem to comprehend this. It's incredible how many people don't understand how the rotation works and how he'll figure into it.

If this spot were going to be used on someone who wasn't going to play, then it likely would have continued to go to a young player. As it is, they're probably done auditioning young players for the remainder of the season.

No. Neal has been the primary beneficiary of Anderson's absence.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nealga01/gamelog/2011/

:tu

Perhaps even the 9th. After all. Neal was the 10th man before Anderson went down. If Udoka is fit enough to play 12-15 minutes every night, I would expect him to become the primary backup SF (Anderson's minutes). This will allow Manu to play nearly all his minutes at the 2.

We'll then have to see if Manu's overall minutes will go down in this scenario. If his minutes remain steady, then Neal will find most of his minutes in garbage time. If Manu's total minutes are reduced, Neal will be able to remain on the fringe of the rotation.

I'm more concerned about the possibility of seeing Udoka as a smallball PF. We've seen a significant reduction in smallball this season. Even with the reduction in smallball, we've seen how difficult it is to get sufficient minutes for five bigs. Using Udoka as a smallball 4 will make that situation even worse.

I suspect he'll be the tenth man in a nine man rotation. Him and Neal will share the ninth spot, depending on match-up. Neal will probably play more, though.

How do you know that the Spurs didn't? I know Green was barely here, but San Antonio was the 2nd team that let Green walk. Thats a telling sign that a guy barely in his 2nd year can't even stick as a 13th man.

It's not at all telling. The only difference between Udoka and a guy like Green is Udoka was given a legit chance and somehow managed to play a handful of seasons in the NBA. That doesn't automatically mean he's a better player, though.

And it's not "the 13th man". With Anderson out, it's the tenth man. Udoka will play in certain match-ups.

timtonymanu

11-24-2010, 07:59 PM

what is on ime's arm?

It's his birthmark. I believe.

Ice009

11-24-2010, 08:01 PM

Then you may want to avert your eyes about 9-10 minutes into the first quarter tonight when RJ heads to the bench.

I mean when Anderson gets back, is it worth keeping Ime on the team as a Tony Massenburg type of enforcer? or do you think that would tempt Pop too much to still use him?

I know he's probably going to play some now, but I wouldn't want to use him in the rotation once Anderson gets back, not unless Ime has worked his ass off over the summer and somehow improved significantly. The Spurs should also keep looking for better options if better players are bought out later in the season.

Aggie Hoopsfan

11-24-2010, 08:44 PM

Getting significant run tonight :td

Spurs Brazil

11-24-2010, 09:21 PM

Getting significant run tonight :td

and playing bad as expected

Obstructed_View

11-24-2010, 11:21 PM

Ime's the good luck charm. I expect to see Udoka and Bonner in the starting lineup soon.

ShoogarBear

11-24-2010, 11:22 PM

+3 bidchess!

Texas_Ranger

11-24-2010, 11:23 PM

I like how he's shooting the ball. That 3 almos went in. :rollin

CFH

11-24-2010, 11:28 PM

Udoka didn't disappoint tonight :hat

Mugen

11-24-2010, 11:29 PM

Ime is great insurance in case Chris Quinn goes down with a fluke injury.

duncan228

11-24-2010, 11:58 PM

Just the quotes, hit the link for the whole piece.

Ex-Blazers news: Ime Udoka feels right at home in joining San Antonio Spurs for a second stint (http://blog.oregonlive.com/nba/2010/11/ex-blazers_news_jefferson_high_and_portland_state_gra de_ime_udoka_expected_to_rejoin_spurs.html)
Mike Tokito, The Oregonian

..."It's great to be back, and I know the system," Udoka, 33, said by telephone from Minnesota, where the Spurs were scheduled to play the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. "The coaches know what I do from my two years, and I know the terminology and fit right in. And I'm very comfortable with the guys."

... He worked out for Chicago in the summer, declined several offers to play overseas and remained picky about NBA opportunities.

"I didn't want to go to camp just for a sake of going to camp," said Udoka, a standout at Jefferson High School and Portland State. "I understood it might be a little slower with a down personal year for me last year with a team that wasn't that good in Sacramento."

Udoka said he has been in Portland, working out six days a week with a personal training, calling the effort "my own personal training camp." He was called to San Antonio for a workout last week.

"I'm in great, great shape," Udoka said.

..."Being with the Blazers and San Antonio in the past, good organizations, I wanted to find another," he said. "Me being a veteran, I think I'm more valuable to a veteran team. Not to say Sacramento was negative or anything last year, but I'm definitely a better fit for a team like San Antonio."

..."Me and Jarron Collins were competing for that last spot, and we figured whoever outplayed the other would get that spot, and we both got cut the same day," Udoka said. "That's what we found more of a shock, that they didn't keep one of us like they said they would."

...Udoka said he’s been told he’ll back up both shooting guard Manu Ginobili and small forward Richard Jefferson.

"They're rolling right now, so for me, it's coming in, helping out, hit open shots and guard people," Udoka said. "Just like before."

http://blog.oregonlive.com/nba/2010/11/ex-blazers_news_jefferson_high_and_portland_state_gra de_ime_udoka_expected_to_rejoin_spurs.html

crc21209

11-25-2010, 12:25 AM

He played a little too much for my taste tonight. He looked pretty slow out there although he did have 2 pretty good defensive plays that resulted in steals. His shooting (as expected), was a bit off. Hurry James, hurry back. :lol

lefty

11-25-2010, 12:26 AM

He played ????

:pctoss

temujin

11-25-2010, 02:19 AM

Good news.

Ime Udoka is the only player who could actually and literally kill a man.

You need a killer in any winning enterprise.

tvdij

11-25-2010, 02:23 AM

Oh man when Ime dribbled down the length of the court I thought all sorts of bad stuff was going to happen.

LegendaryFan44

11-25-2010, 02:34 AM

Dude went 0-2..picking up where he left off..missing shots.

EricB

11-25-2010, 02:35 AM

Played a whopping 3 minutes.

Head for the hills.

Bruno

11-25-2010, 06:09 AM

I haven't watch the game, how does Udoka look?

TJastal

11-25-2010, 06:39 AM

and playing bad as expected

So I checked Ime's boxscore.. 2 steals in 3 minutes. That's 2 free possessions for the spurs, which is a good first game, IMO.

What did you expect, 15/10 & 5 blocks?

TJastal

11-25-2010, 06:43 AM

ROFL @ spurs fans writing off a guy in his first game of the year who literally just signed a contract. For going 0-2 in 3 minutes of action.

This place never fails to make me laugh.

:lol

Texas_Ranger

11-25-2010, 07:01 AM

He did have 2 steals.

Spurs Brazil

11-25-2010, 02:00 PM

So I checked Ime's boxscore.. 2 steals in 3 minutes. That's 2 free possessions for the spurs, which is a good first game, IMO.

What did you expect, 15/10 & 5 blocks?

He kills the ball movement on O with his pump fake and then a bad shot

duncan228

11-25-2010, 11:08 PM

...Udoka says it isn’t difficult to erase the remnants of the Sacramento Kings’ system.

“It’s not hard to forget that,” said Udoka, 33, who spent last season with the Kings after two with the Spurs. “It was a lot of standing around.”

...Udoka doesn’t think it will take him long to re-learn the Spurs’ system.

“There’s still a ton of plays, like always,” Udoka said. “It’s just a matter of refreshing your memory.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/25/neal-clutch-times-three/

TD 21

11-25-2010, 11:20 PM

ROFL @ spurs fans writing off a guy in his first game of the year who literally just signed a contract. For going 0-2 in 3 minutes of action.

This place never fails to make me laugh.

:lol

We're not writing him off based on 3 minutes played in his first game. We're writing him off because we know he's not good enough to begin with.

Like Simmons, he lost weight and got in better shape, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he doesn't have a single NBA skill at this stage in his career. At least Simmons was a career 40% three-point shooter. Udoka doesn't even have that fall back on.

The best that can be hoped for is something resembling adequate defense in carefully selected match-ups (meaning, keep him away from Nowitzki, Odom, Lewis, etc.) and mid thirties three-point shooting.

LeCrab

11-25-2010, 11:52 PM

I'm worried that ime will get to many minutes, he said in his interview pop said he will get backup sf playing time.. and we all kow how that went last time

DAF86

11-26-2010, 12:12 AM

Cessation

11-26-2010, 12:13 AM

Who cares, hes just a stop gap until Mr. Anderson comes back, neal doesnt cut it at sf, despite his effort. James was playing great on d and hitting timely threes, no way udoka will take significant minutes from him once hes healthy.

TJastal

11-26-2010, 06:16 AM

We're not writing him off based on 3 minutes played in his first game. We're writing him off because we know he's not good enough to begin with.

Like Simmons, he lost weight and got in better shape, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he doesn't have a single NBA skill at this stage in his career. At least Simmons was a career 40% three-point shooter. Udoka doesn't even have that fall back on.

The best that can be hoped for is something resembling adequate defense in carefully selected match-ups (meaning, keep him away from Nowitzki, Odom, Lewis, etc.) and mid thirties three-point shooting.

Well, Simmons was in terrible shape, and it showed. He would have needed half the season to play himself into game shape on limited minutes. Ime otoh is entering in terrific shape, and he'll help the spurs with hustle and energy from the get-go, which is what this team needs right now to allow Manu & Tony a chance to let off the gas pedal a little and save something for the playoffs.

As far as that +4% 3pt shooting favoring Simmons.. in limited minutes, this difference amounts to shit, really. In a season of say, 250 attempts Udoka will score 270 points, Simmons 300. This is roughly 1/3 of a point per game. Or an extra point every 3 games.

Factor in Simmons' inability to guard 3's (Udoka can), and his patheticly sluggish corpse on defense (Udoka will run circles around him) and it's not even close.

TD 21

11-26-2010, 06:33 PM

Well, Simmons was in terrible shape, and it showed. He would have needed half the season to play himself into game shape on limited minutes. Ime otoh is entering in terrific shape, and he'll help the spurs with hustle and energy from the get-go, which is what this team needs right now to allow Manu & Tony a chance to let off the gas pedal a little and save something for the playoffs.

As far as that +4% 3pt shooting favoring Simmons.. in limited minutes, this difference amounts to shit, really. In a season of say, 250 attempts Udoka will score 270 points, Simmons 300. This is roughly 1/3 of a point per game. Or an extra point every 3 games.

Factor in Simmons' inability to guard 3's (Udoka can), and his patheticly sluggish corpse on defense (Udoka will run circles around him) and it's not even close.

You read too much into what I said.

I wasn't championing Simmons' cause, just saying, for him, he was in good shape, like Udoka. But being in good shape and hustling doesn't mean much if you can't play and neither can anymore.

Spurs Brazil

11-26-2010, 08:02 PM

JMcDonald_SAEN
Ime Udoka was not available to talk to the media after shootaround this morning because he was taking his physical. He passed

HarlemHeat37

12-02-2010, 01:08 AM

:lmao:lmao:lmao

timtonymanu

12-02-2010, 01:09 AM

Next thing you know Spurs will bring back Keith Bogans next season.

DPG21920

12-02-2010, 01:09 AM

We all knew this was bad. The logic was sound, but we all knew this was bad. Even if the Spurs are winning, this doesn't make sense.

timtonymanu

12-02-2010, 01:18 AM

James Anderson, please come back!

HarlemHeat37

12-19-2010, 12:19 AM

You can make a great argument that he's the worst player in the NBA..

He has absolutely no business playing on a team with the best record in the NBA..

tdunk21

12-19-2010, 12:24 AM

^ lol....absolutely..

jag

12-19-2010, 12:28 AM

Ime Udoka is a baller....haters gon' hate

ducks

12-19-2010, 12:29 AM

timvp can ball better then him

Blackjack

12-19-2010, 12:34 AM

Ime Udoka gave Sam Young enough cushion to make a couch and a loveseat and still managed to get beat to the basket.

That was phenomenal. :rollin

Mel_13

12-19-2010, 01:01 AM

Ime Udoka gave Sam Young enough cushion to make a couch and a loveseat and still managed to get beat to the basket.

That was phenomenal. :rollin

:lol

ace3g

12-19-2010, 01:15 AM

still wished they would have gone after (if possible) Alan Anderson instead
http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/alan_anderson/game_by_game_stats.html

Chieflion

12-19-2010, 01:18 AM

GTFO this team. How can one guy almost fuck the entire game up by playing 8 minutes? Unreal.

Aggie Hoopsfan

12-19-2010, 02:39 AM

But he's got corporate knowledge!!! [/Pop]

MaNu4Tres

12-19-2010, 02:44 AM

Would have rather kept Gee ..tbh

Udoka doesn't belong in the NBA or even the D-League.

I would rather play Bonner minutes at the 3 (like Ferry did), which would give Splitter more run.

gospursgojas

12-19-2010, 02:48 AM

Would have rather kept Gee ..tbh

Udoka doesn't belong in the NBA or even the D-League.

I would rather play Bonner minutes at the 3 (like Ferry did), which would give Splitter more run.

Playing Bonner at the 3 is defensive suicide...but so is playing Ime, so.....

MaNu4Tres

12-19-2010, 02:55 AM

...but so is playing Ime, so.....

My point exactly.

angelbelow

12-19-2010, 06:42 AM

Well who didn't see this coming (Probably 99% of spurstalk)? Hes sucked for the past few years, him aging a year certainly isn't going to make him better.

Spurs Brazil

12-19-2010, 08:25 AM

You can make a great argument that he's the worst player in the NBA..

I think it's very close. Mason Jr or Udoka.

yavozerb

12-19-2010, 10:00 AM

PATRICK EWING JR.....hopefully we will be next in line for a try as the back up sf..

TJastal

12-19-2010, 10:13 AM

I think it's very close. Mason Jr or Udoka.

http://dimemag.com/2008/12/the-worst-player-in-the-nba/

Here you go Spurs Brazil. Now whenever your having a tantrum and feeling the need to bash a player, you can vent AND sound smart at the same time!

angelbelow

12-19-2010, 04:02 PM

PATRICK EWING JR.....hopefully we will be next in line for a try as the back up sf..

I've never seen him play in person, whats he like?

DieHardSpursFan1537

12-19-2010, 04:33 PM

Well, he's still here, but he's not looking good at all. We need to get his ass off the team. He screwed us over in the Grizzlie game last night!

jjktkk

12-19-2010, 04:44 PM

But he's got corporate knowledge!!! [/Pop]

23-3 Einstein.

DMC

12-19-2010, 05:09 PM

I've never seen him play in person, whats he like?

Ever seen a bulldog eating mayonnaise? Imagine that in a beauty contest, that's Ime in a close game.

DMC

12-19-2010, 05:10 PM

23-3 Einstein.

I could go all in with a 10,2 offsuit and win, that doesn't make it a good move.

angelbelow

12-19-2010, 06:34 PM

Ever seen a bulldog eating mayonnaise? Imagine that in a beauty contest, that's Ime in a close game.

I was asking about Patrick Ewing Jr.

jjktkk

12-19-2010, 07:10 PM

I could go all in with a 10,2 offsuit and win, that doesn't make it a good move.

My point is the Spurs are 23-3. Knitpicking about how Udoka sucks is stupid, because not once this year has Udoka cost the Spurs a game. Udoka is barely playing. Udoka is nothing more than stop gap player until Anderson returns to form from his injury.

benefactor

12-19-2010, 07:33 PM

My point is the Spurs are 23-3. Knitpicking about how Udoka sucks is stupid, because not once this year has Udoka cost the Spurs a game. Udoka is barely playing. Udoka is nothing more than stop gap player until Anderson returns to form from his injury.
...but he will be playing more now that Hill is out...and those stress fractures in the foot can be tricky. There are no guarantees exactly when Anderson will be available and even then there will be questions whether or not he has lost so much time that he can be an effective rotation player in the playoffs.

Udoka is not even good enough to be a stop gap...no matter how much corporate knowledge he has. The Spurs are better off combing the D-league.

jjktkk

12-19-2010, 09:34 PM

...but he will be playing more now that Hill is out...and those stress fractures in the foot can be tricky. There are no guarantees exactly when Anderson will be available and even then there will be questions whether or not he has lost so much time that he can be an effective rotation player in the playoffs.

Udoka is not even good enough to be a stop gap...no matter how much corporate knowledge he has. The Spurs are better off combing the D-league.

Unless that D-leaguer is a Toro, what good would it be trying to teach a raw D-league player the Spurs system in time to actually get into a game? Fruitless IMO. From Pop's comments, he doesn't expect Hill to be out any significant amount of time. I agree that Udoka sucks, but he does know the Spurs system, and at this point of the season, Pop is not going to play some raw D-leaguer, unless there multiple injuries, in which case the Spurs are screwed anyway.

spursfan1000

12-19-2010, 09:39 PM

He looked good in his first game..but since then he has been horrible.

WeNeedLength

12-19-2010, 09:45 PM

No one should be defending Udoka. He cannot do anything right except run, and even then we are all just waiting for him to trip over his own damn foot, causing a turnover somehow. Anderson needs to heal ASAP. In the mean time, lets all talk about the shittyness that is Ime Udoka. :toast

benefactor

12-19-2010, 10:16 PM

Unless that D-leaguer is a Toro, what good would it be trying to teach a raw D-league player the Spurs system in time to actually get into a game? Fruitless IMO. From Pop's comments, he doesn't expect Hill to be out any significant amount of time. I agree that Udoka sucks, but he does know the Spurs system, and at this point of the season, Pop is not going to play some raw D-leaguer, unless there multiple injuries, in which case the Spurs are screwed anyway.
A raw D-leaguer wouldn't even have to learn the system to be better than Udoka. Udoka does not just suck, he's not an NBA player at all. I'd rather play the guy in your avy at the 3...and I have laughed at people who have suggested that. The fact that Udoka is on the roster and knows the system makes the situation even worse because Pop will play him. He needs to be gone. Period.

jjktkk

12-19-2010, 10:20 PM

A raw D-leaguer wouldn't even have to learn the system to be better than Udoka. Udoka does not just suck, he's not an NBA player at all. I'd rather play the guy in your avy at the 3...and I have laughed at people who have suggested that. The fact that Udoka is on the roster and knows the system makes the situation even worse because Pop will play him. He needs to be gone. Period.

WTF is an avy? And you really think Pop is gonna play some D-league guy picked up from the street?

benefactor

12-19-2010, 10:27 PM

WTF is an avy? And you really think Pop is gonna play some D-league guy picked up from the street?
Avy = avatar. Welcome to the internet, friend.

You are missing the point. The point is that Udoka should be gone.

chazley

12-19-2010, 11:49 PM

Avy = avatar. Welcome to the internet, friend.

You are missing the point. The point is that Udoka should be gone.

Lemme guess... you also wanted Mahinmi and Hairston to get PT when they were with us?

Udoka>D-League player. If you feel differently, you aren't smart.

WeNeedLength

12-19-2010, 11:57 PM

Of course he knows the system. The fucking ball boys know the system so they would probably be better than Udoka. He's our only option right now which sucks, bottom line.

HarlemHeat37

12-20-2010, 12:17 AM

Lemme guess... you also wanted Mahinmi and Hairston to get PT when they were with us?

Udoka>D-League player. If you feel differently, you aren't smart.

The Spurs have already picked Hairston ahead of Udoka before..

Udoka isn't better than any players in the D-league..he has no positive qualities..he doesn't have any actual basketball ability, he doesn't have NBA-level speed, he doesn't have any athleticism, he doesn't have impressive size..

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 12:19 AM

The Spurs have already picked Hairston ahead of Udoka before..Not this season, oddly enough.

There aren't many great swingman prospects in the D-League right now, but probably a few who could at least do what Udoka does. That is setting the bar pretty low.

HarlemHeat37

12-20-2010, 12:58 AM

Hairston wasn't able to play basketball up until a few weeks ago, IIRC..

MaNu4Tres

12-20-2010, 01:22 AM

Not this season, oddly enough.

Malik Hairston
@malikinitaly Malik Hairston
@EricDSal7 I definitely apprecate that, the Spurs were supportive of me pursuing a situation that'd be better for ... http://tmi.me/2IPlh
30 Oct via ÜberTwitter Favorite Retweet Reply

Follow that link.

In other words it was his choice.

I could care less if a translated link from overseas says otherwise. I've talked to enough people and had a small conversation with Hairston himself on the matter.

I'm 100% convinced it was Malik's choice to leave.

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 01:27 AM

Malik Hairston
@malikinitaly Malik Hairston
@EricDSal7 I definitely apprecate that, the Spurs were supportive of me pursuing a situation that'd be better for ... http://tmi.me/2IPlh
30 Oct via ÜberTwitter Favorite Retweet Reply

Follow that link.It was better for Hairston if the Spurs released him and signed a guy like Udoka.

OK.

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 01:28 AM

I'm 100% convinced it was Malik's choice to leave.So he didn't want to be a Spur.

Great.

MaNu4Tres

12-20-2010, 01:31 AM

It was better for Hairston if the Spurs released him and signed a guy like Udoka.

OK.

Or maybe Malik wanted more playing time and more guaranteed money?

With the way the draft went (selecting a player at his position), that player was going to get guaranteed money and minutes to an already set rotation for the most part with Manu, R.J and Hill at the 2/3 spot.

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 01:33 AM

Or maybe Malik wanted more playing time and more guaranteed money?

With the way the draft went (selecting a player at his position), that player was going to get guaranteed money and minutes to an already set rotation for the most part with Manu, R.J and Hill at the 2/3 spot.So Malik didn't want to be a Spur anymore.

Great.

We can stop talking about him like he wanted to be here.

MaNu4Tres

12-20-2010, 01:35 AM

So Malik didn't want to be a Spur anymore.

Great.

We can stop talking about him like he wanted to be here.

That's fine. Just don't make ridiculous assumptions like Spurs chose Udoka over Hairston.

That wasn't the case.

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 01:36 AM

That's fine just don't make ridiculous assumptions like Spurs chose Udoka over Hairston.

Wasn't the case.Or what?

What are you going to do about it?

MaNu4Tres

12-20-2010, 01:37 AM

Or what?

What are you going to do about it?

Correct you. Like I already did.

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 01:39 AM

Correct you. Like I already did.Would Hairston ever lie about anything?

Ever?

Spurs Brazil

12-20-2010, 08:18 AM

Quinn also didn't know the system and after a month he doesn't look lost. He can play fine in 8-10 minutes.

I don't buy this Udoka know the system crap. Barry and Elliott also know the system let's sign them. Just like Udoka they are former players

EricD

12-20-2010, 10:14 AM

I rather have the Coyote take a shit on the court and have that for our back up small forward.

jjktkk

12-20-2010, 10:41 AM

The Spurs have already picked Hairston ahead of Udoka before..

Udoka isn't better than any players in the D-league..he has no positive qualities..he doesn't have any actual basketball ability, he doesn't have NBA-level speed, he doesn't have any athleticism, he doesn't have impressive size..

I would take Hairston over Udoka in a heartbeat.

yavozerb

12-20-2010, 12:17 PM

Dex

12-20-2010, 12:24 PM

Ime Udoka 0.6 PPG - 15.4% FG% - 0.0% 3p%

I was obviously not a supporter of this move when it happened, but obviously wanted it to work out for the Spurs benefit. Somehow, Ime has actually been WORSE than his previous stint.

Let's just say I can't wait for JA to get healthy.

TJastal

12-20-2010, 12:49 PM

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 01:49 PM

Did TJastal just tell people to take the stick out of their ass about a player they don't like?

:rollin

dbestpro

12-20-2010, 02:03 PM

I was always more critical of Hairston than most. Having said that, Udoka makes me miss Malik.

TJastal

12-20-2010, 03:52 PM

Did TJastal just tell people to take the stick out of their ass about a player they don't like?

:rollin

If Matt "don't worry he'll be the 5th big in the rotation" Bonner saw the same amount of floor time as Ime was getting I wouldn't have a problem with him. None. Whatsoever.

Now Chump, I bet you haven't watched those 3 year old toros DVD's in over a month now, maybe its time to break em out again.

superbigtime

12-20-2010, 06:37 PM

Ime is about 3X worse than he was before. Slow, undersized, unathletic, can't shoot, can't dribble, can't defend. I'd take Gee or Hairston back in a heartbeat. He should only play garbage time or if someone is hurt or if an intentional foul is desired. I hope he is out of the rotation for good after this last crap game. Seriously one of the worst 10 players in the league. Good character etc but just awful player.

angelbelow

12-20-2010, 08:26 PM

I think the sample size needs to be bigger before we pass judgement on Ime. A bad shooting start and some turnovers are quite normal for someone who is coming in cold turkey in the middle of the season and trying to fit in.

Ime has contributed energy and hustle plays. Averaging roughly 3 steals and 5 assists per 36 minutes so far. He'll be fine for another month getting limited minutes, alot of people need to chill out and remove the stick out of their ass.

A sample size of about 3 years worth of Ime playing professional basketball can and should be used.

This is a tough situation, were dealing with injures so i'm not asking for the guy to be cut or questioning the FO's intention on signing him. He's a stop gap and as long as he doesn't cost the spurs too much money... it is a decent move. But that doesn't mean we cant be realistic and call it what it is.. Ime is NOT an NBA player and hasnt been for a long time.

ChumpDumper

12-20-2010, 10:12 PM

If Matt "don't worry he'll be the 5th big in the rotation" Bonner saw the same amount of floor time as Ime was getting I wouldn't have a problem with him. None. Whatsoever.

Now Chump, I bet you haven't watched those 3 year old toros DVD's in over a month now, maybe its time to break em out again.lol begging for patience with Udoka

lol sticking with the agenda

HarlemHeat37

12-20-2010, 10:45 PM

:lol Ericb picking Ime over Neal..

Sean Cagney

12-20-2010, 11:11 PM

I initally supported the Udoka pick up, but after seeing his defense the last couple of games I am really dissapointed with his play. I can only hope his play picks up cause I cannot see Pop making another change.

Why? He sucked his last year here bigtime and last year for Sac, why would he need a chance to prove he sucks again when he did two years ago or so? I knew what he was, I was not happy at the move.

BTW his play will not pick up, I hope he sits on the bench and picks up towels.

EricD

12-20-2010, 11:25 PM

At least Pop didn't play him.

It's still a joke that Udoka has played more minutes than Splitter ever since Udoka was signed.

TD 21

12-20-2010, 11:58 PM

The good thing is that Pop has caught on and isn't force feeding him minutes, even against a team like the Suns with three big wings and when the Spurs could clearly use some backup SF minutes out of his spot right now.

Initially, I thought he would more than likely last the season, but now I'm starting to think there's a real chance he get's released. Hopefully, it's sooner than later.

Should have just stuck with Green in the first place. Or, if they were intent on signing a veteran, Wilkins was out there and Hayes still is. Both are better than Udoka. Knowing the system should be a deciding factor all things being equal. But when you can't play a lick, that's irrelevant. Or at least it should have been.

First and foremost, you've got be able to play at least somewhat. This team is carrying 13, has 1 out at a position they were already thin at and is trying to manage the minutes of a lot of their players. That means every roster spot is somewhat meaningful. They can't afford to have a guy who's a complete and utter liability.