Spurs soon to announce they are bringing back Ime Udoka

[ace3g]

M_Monroe_in_SA Mike Monroe
Spurs soon to announce they are bringing back Ime Udoka http://tinyurl.com/3agqfp4

[bigdog]

Great.

[ducks]

as a 13 man ok

[timtonymanu]

Better than Michael Finley and Keith Bogans.

[J_Paco]

Another undersized wing player doesn't aid this team. Especially, when the guy looked done two seasons ago.

[DJB]

You're fucking kidding me right?

[HarlemHeat37]

Ugh..

He was one of the worst defenders in the NBA last year, and he shot 28% from 3s..

I hope he's just signed on as a practice player, hopefully he doesn't see the floor..

[MmP]

WOW
interesting turn...

[TIMMYD!]

as a 13 man ok


Better than Michael Finley and Keith Bogans.

This.

[024]

was this really necessary? green at least was a prospect. udoka is just keith bogans with slower defense.

[MmP]

was this really necessary? green at least was a prospect. udoka is just keith bogans with slower defense.

Better 3 pointer

[024]

i'm pretty disappointed. i thought they waived green so quickly because they were really high on another player and did not want him to slip away. now it turns out that player is udoka.

[toki9]

Wow...that's just...wow...WTF...

[024]

Better 3 pointer
even keith bogans shot the 3 better than udoka's previous 2 years.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Oh Jesus. I admit, I was a huge Udoka fan and promoted him before we signed him, but this time around it's just a whole different story. Good thing he's just a 13th man.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

But I don't get how the Spurs chose him over Green.

[Trainwreck2100]

he made a bet with pop where if parker's marriage blew up in his face he'd have to bring him back, no joke

[ceperez]

:(

[WeNeedLength]

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

[silverblk mystix]

whew...

I thought it might be Finley...

exhale....


Udoka is a nice guy but he was done two years ago.

[xmas1997]

Please, not Udoka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!
:nope:hang:deadhorse:td:idiot:wtf:flipoff:bang:dep ressed

[DPG21920]

Is this a joke? This makes very little sense. If you are going to roulette players, at least take a chance on someone with upside.

I know it is a little thing, but it is very annoying. The only reason I would want Udoka on the roster is if Pop is planning a team brawl next game.

[Trill Clinton]

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/MABOcho/slowfacepalm.gif

[JR3]

interesting.... At least maybe he can be some D off the bench against teams like the kings and nets.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Maybe the Spurs are just going to do him a favor like they practically did with Bobby Simmons. Give the old veterans a chance to showcase their skills so another team can at least sign them if the Spurs can't.

Teams weren't exactly knocking on Udoka's door.

[L.I.T]

Do not like.

[DPG21920]

Spurs kill the mood worse than a girl who smells like cigarettes.

[NZ Spurs]

But I don't get how the Spurs chose him over Green.

Do you really mean that? Udoka is a six year NBA player with knowledge of the Spurs system. Green is...

[SA210]

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/MABOcho/slowfacepalm.gif

[Dr. Gonzo]

I think it's a solid move.

[siraulo23]

shit no more minutes for gary neal

[HarlemHeat37]

If Udoka breaks one of Kobe's legs, I'll applaud the signing..if not, then this is period..

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Do you really mean that? Udoka is a six year NBA player with knowledge of the Spurs system. Green is...

Well then why such a delay in the signing? If Green was so horrible, why did they sign him at all, why didn't they just sign Udoka to start with?

[Sigz]

There goes our season.

[DPG21920]

I am definitely skeptical. Skeptical? Definitely.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

shit no more minutes for gary neal
If that is the case...

















































http://up-ship.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/ffffuuuuu.jpg

[xmas1997]

This has to be a rumor.
The Spurs have more sense than to bring back a washed up Udoka!

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

:bang:pctoss:hang:makemyday:drunk...

[angelbelow]

Damn.. Green must have really blew it...


Do you really mean that? Udoka is a six year NBA player with knowledge of the Spurs system. Green is...

He should mean it. Your comment is like me saying Finley is a 14+ year NBA veteran who also knows the Spurs system. Not sure how many people would welcome Finley back over a younger prospect.

Udoka was terrible on the kings last year.. Besides, hes probably gonna be here as a practice player, I doubt he sees the court much which is why some people think a younger player (like Green) might be better in terms of having a practice body and a evaluation project.

[timvp]

:pctoss

Horrible choice. Udoka isn't an NBA level player. He's a supposed defensive specialist who in actuality isn't good at defense. His knee injuries caught up to him a couple years ago and he's just way too slow now. He's tough and can rebound but his lack of mobility makes him a below average defender. Offensively, he's a bad shooter with bad shot selection.

I realize the Spurs could use a perimeter defender but Udoka is not the answer. He can't defend out on the perimeter against anyone with any kind of speed. He will hurt the team on offense because he's a ball-stopper.

Bad, bad fit. I'd rather have Bogans. I might rather have Michael Finley.

Gotta hope Pop keeps Udoka nailed to the bench but why sign him at all if he's not going to play? It's not like he's a prospect for the future.

[rayray2k8]

At least it's not Finely.. But I don't expect Udoka to get that many minutes.. Till Anderson comes back..

[Marcus Bryant]

Not that great & not that significant.

[tdunk21]

omg noooo....i would rather have danny green than udoka

[ChumpDumper]

Unless he hits some kind of career second wind, I don't see much difference between Udoka and Simmons at this point except Simmons is a better shooter.

Not a fan of this move.

[DPG21920]

James Anderson: I hope you are a quick healer.

[Danny.Zhu]

WTF? So Bobby Simmons is worse than him？

[ChumpDumper]

WTF? So Bobby Simmons is worse than him？I think they'll find he's about the same. I'm get a feeling it won't be a guaranteed deal.

[duncan228]

Udoka on way back to Spurs (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/23/udoka-on-way-back-to-spurs/)
Mike Monroe

The Spurs are close to announcing the signing of veteran free agent forward Ime Udoka, who played for the club in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

The Spurs on Tuesday waived second-year pro Danny Green after just one week with the team. Udoka’s signing will bring them back to the NBA’s 13-player minimum.

A hard-nosed defender capable of guarding both small forwards and power forwards, Udoka averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in his first season with the Spurs and was a solid contributor in their Western Conference semifinals series victory over the Hornets. His playing time and averages dipped a bit in 2008-09, when he scored 4.3 points and grabbed 2.8 rebounds in 67 games.

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

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/23/udoka-on-way-back-to-spurs/

[benefactor]

Well...so much for a defensive minded 3. Perhaps he's just a stop gap until Anderson gets healthy.

[foodie2]

Rather bring Bowen back.

[angelbelow]

WTF? So Bobby Simmons is worse than him？

I might value Simmons in this case.. at least hes a few inches taller.

[Danny.Zhu]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/23/udoka-on-way-back-to-spurs/

$1.146 million

Come on...

[lefty]

http://i49.tinypic.com/9ao5ts.gif

http://www.adamriff.com/images/tracy_mcgrady.gif

[DesignatedT]

It's not bad. It's definitely not ideal but with our shortage of wing defenders and the absence of james anderson than it could be kind of a "quick fix". If they see that he has lost his touch than they can just release him but the learning curve is very little which is good.

[Sean Cagney]

Spurs kill the mood worse than a girl who smells like cigarettes.

They kill the mood worse than a girl throwing up in the bed before you can do a thing :bang:depressed

[yavozerb]

Honestly, I will reserve my judgement of Udoka until I see him get some in game action. This team does not need anymore prospects (like green) coming in off the bench, a veteran was needed in my opinion to mix in with the young up and coming talent for the spurs. Also, lets not forget that we are only looking for 5-10 minutes of PT from Udoka provided he can hold his own against other reserve players.

[ivanfromwestwood]

this just fucked up my night

[The Truth #6]

Maybe the Spurs are just going to do him a favor like they practically did with Bobby Simmons. Give the old veterans a chance to showcase their skills so another team can at least sign them if the Spurs can't.

Teams weren't exactly knocking on Udoka's door.

That makes the most sense. At least I hope that's the rationale.

[Sean Cagney]

interesting.... At least maybe he can be some D off the bench against teams like the kings and nets.

No there is nothing interesting at all about this here, Pop will put him in like he did in 08 game one VS LA and he will get roasted out there on D (BET ON THAT). Pop will overplay this guy, there is nothing good about this here. :depressed:depressed

[SA210]

Rather bring Bowen back.

[The Truth #6]

Anyone knows the status of Jerrels? I'll admit, the signing of Udoka is very uninspiring. But if they're just trying to keep signing people as fast as possible to take a look, then it probably won't last that long and be that bad.

[edgar]

mDLsezwIpfo

[xmas1997]

Rather bring Bowen back.


I second that! I would rather have Bruce back too!

[MmP]

I don't know why but the current team as it is, I don't care he's back on track. I even like it and have a feeling he's not gonna suck.

[Capt Bringdown]

What a bringdown. I've never seen the Spurs play well with Udoka.

[Dex]

Better than Michael Finley and Keith Bogans.

Not by much.

Spurs already tried with this guy for a couple seasons and got no returns. He hasn't shown drastic signs of improvement (if any). What's the point?

The only way this is an okay move is if Okeydokey goes through the revolving door that is the Spurs 13th spot as fast as the past couple have.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I'Meh' Udoka..

[Buddy Holly]

The guy is more than likely not going to sniff much playing time. why are people freaking out?

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Why not bring Brent Barry back instead?

[edgar]

I second that! I would rather have Bruce back too!

fSB_HA9GdDE

[crc21209]

Uhh...it's an OK move AT BEST. I still would've rather gone with Green or someone younger with younger legs who can actually keep up with the guys on the floor now, instead of a fossil like Udoka who cant move laterally, cant shoot, and cant defend very well. As a 13th man, why not I guess.

[Libri]

EN finally has breaking news on the Spurs and it's lame. :lol

[NZ Spurs]

Not by much.

Spurs already tried with this guy for a couple seasons and got no returns.

They tried with him as a major contributor. They have Jefferson now.

He has that corporate knowledge Pop keeps going on about. And if Pop puts him in the game at least he is going to get to his spots, instead of some project who doesn't know the system.

[Dex]

The guy is more than likely not going to sniff much playing time. why are people freaking out?

I think people are worried that it's going to turn into another Finley situation where even if he doesn't come in and make boneheaded plays, he'll still be taking minutes from the younger guys.

However, Pop seems pretty comfortable with Neal and Anderson (once he returns) in the rotation, and the Spurs do need another SF on the roster while Anderson heals, even if it is (hopefully) a garbage-time player. So realistically, Ime shouldn't get enough minutes to seriously subtract from the other players.

That being said, Pop seems to get infatuated with certain players, and if any of this was his brainchild, then we may end up seeing more Udoka than we think.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

They tried with him as a major contributor. They have Jefferson now.

Comparing Udoka to Jefferson. That's what we've come to.

[Samr]

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.

[mando6599]

?

[itzsoweezee]

LOL, who the hell were you disappointed people expecting the spurs could get?

[Obstructed_View]

Smallball point guard when Parker's out of the game?

[DespЏrado]

I disagree with just about everyone here, Udoka can fill in at the 3 but he can excel at small ball 4...The guy may have had a couple of amazing workouts for the Spurs, and most importantly he fills a stopgap need with previous corporate knowledge.

Here's what I see, a somewhat dedicated defender who doesn't have a steep learning curve that can step in right now for the few weeks that we need him. Anybody else would have to be worked into the system, Udoka is a guy who knows the system, might benefit from the new uptempo spurs game, and he doesn't have to last more than a few months.

This leaves the spot open for James Anderson.

[Dex]

Smallball point guard when Parker's out of the game?

We can put him at the four and slide Jefferson to the five so Dick gets his wish.

Bring back Stoudamire to play the one.

[xmas1997]

This is insane! He is more washed up than Bruce is!

[024]

maybe the spurs got him just to specifically combat artest.

[Obstructed_View]

Actually he's only there to take more minutes away from Splitter. :stirpot:

[Barfunk]

I think people are worried that it's going to turn into another Finley situation where even if he does come in and make boneheaded plays, he'll still be taking minutes from the younger guys.

This, this, this, this.

Not developing Splitter + things like this = First or second round bounce. :toast

Or we might win the chip with Doka. Ya never know.

[TheProfessor]

LOL, who the hell were you disappointed people expecting the spurs could get?
A new young player they could comically overrate until he got cut two to three months from now.

[Spur|n|Austin]

13th man, won't see minutes unless during blowouts. He knows the system and will help in practice - I also don't see him sticking around the whole season either.

[Dex]

Give Okeydokey credit: at least he didn't line up for Miami.

[kobyz]

Spurs should have kept Danny Green instead!

[objective]

If it's going to be a comeback tour for washed up over 30 players . . .

I'd much rather have Antonio Daniels instead of Quinn than have Udoka instead of Green, and I didn't even like Green.

the reasonable fear is that Udoka is here to succeed where Masterpiece Simmons failed: to take time away from people like Neal and Anderson (when he's healthy enough to play).

[mchammer]

I think it's a decent signing considering the lack of alternatives and his experience in the system. Will also be a good teacher for Neal, Anderson, and maybe even RJ as far as defending. There was a lot of disappointment among Portland fans lat year when he was waived.

[Spurologist]

What the FUCK....wtf???? IME UDOKA?????

[TwelveGs210]

Lol...years later my signature still applies.

[Obstructed_View]

13th man, won't see minutes unless during blowouts. He knows the system and will help in practice - I also don't see him sticking around the whole season either.

Should we mark this for when he's the 2010-2011 version of Keith Bogans? :downspin:

[ChuckD]

Classic ST meltdown over the 13th spot, in other words, NOTHING. :lol

[EricB]

Who's the young wing player he would take minutes from?

[ChumpDumper]

LOL, who the hell were you disappointed people expecting the spurs could get?Someone who can run.

[ChuckD]

Should we mark this for when he's the 2010-2011 version of Keith Bogans? :downspin:

Mark away.

[Spurologist]

If anything else Udoka plays hard but I'm not sure he has much left.

[DJB]

This is what really dropped the turd in my punch bowl.

[lefty]

When I wake up tomorrow morning, this thread better be gone

[Spur|n|Austin]

Should we mark this for when he's the 2010-2011 version of Keith Bogans? :downspin:

That's absurd - but mark for shits and giggles. :toast

[ChumpDumper]

When I wake up tomorrow morning, this thread better be goneOr what?

[ChuckD]

When I wake up tomorrow morning, this thread better be gone

It will be. See that red X at the upper right corner of your browser? Click on it, and the thread will disappear, like magic.

[EricB]

What's gary Neal done since the bobcats game for him to be given guaranteed minutes?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

What's gary Neal done since the bobcats game for him to be given guaranteed minutes?

Are you implying that Neal has been so horrible they're bringing in Udoka?

[Ditty]

He had an okay 2008 and a good playoff series vs the hornets. Besides that he wasn't that great, was pretty bad in 09. Hope he doesn't stick around really. Danny Green may have a bigger upside really. The same for Temple>Quinn. I don't get it.

[objective]

hopefully he won't have cement shoes and can give 5 minutes a half of non-hurtful ball.

Then Manu's minutes at SF can start to come down as the days off become less frequent.

But the last time I saw him play he looked completely done, and has probably looked that way for a couple of seasons now.

[Drewlius]

http://i55.tinypic.com/2qstefk.gif

[objective]

Are you implying that Neal has been so horrible they're bringing in Udoka?

actually that intentional foul mishap seems like just the thing to send Pop into a doghousing fury.

The only other thing Neal could have done worse would have been to pull his jersey over his head during live play and give up an easy transition score.

[baseline bum]

Are you kidding me? Dude was a horrible defender 3 seasons ago. I can't imagine how far he's regressed now with further age.

[ElNono]

I just had flashbacks of Bowen sitting down in Game 1 of the 2008 WCF, Spurs up 20, and Udoka coming in and getting incinerated by Kobe...

And that was two seasons ago... terrible fit, IMO.

I know he's coming in to fill the end of the bench, but as timvp said, why bring him back if he's not going to see the floor?
I actually fear for both Neil and Anderson (when he comes back) minutes with this signing.

[EricB]

Are you implying that Neal has been so horrible they're bringing in Udoka?

I'm implying it's a try out contract because since Anderson went down the bench wings are shit. Gary Neal has been putrid and there's no one else. If idols sucks that bad he could be gone. But the argument he'll take minutes from younger guys, again, who? The only younger guy is out till January.

[duncan228]

Udoka expected to rejoin Spurs today (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/23/udoka-expected-to-rejoin-spurs-today/)
Mike Monroe

...Though they had two weeks to sign a 13th, Udoka is expected to join them no later than Friday at home against the Mavericks.

...The Spurs’ player payroll after Udoka’s addition will stand at $68.45 million, $1.86 million below the luxury tax ceiling.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/23/udoka-expected-to-rejoin-spurs-today/

[DPG21920]

Ima boo Ime

[EricB]

I just had flashbacks of Bowen sitting down in Game 1 of the 2008 WCF, Spurs up 20, and Udoka coming in and getting incinerated by Kobe...

And that was two seasons ago... terrible fit, IMO.

I know he's coming in to fill the end of the bench, but as timvp said, why bring him back if he's not going to see the floor?
I actually fear for both Neil and Anderson (when he comes back) minutes with this signing.



Again, outside of the bobcats game, what has Neal done to earn guaranteed minutes?

Anderson is out till january.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Ima boo Ime

:tu

[ElNono]

Gary Neal has been putrid and there's no one else.

Gary has been pretty good for a NBA rookie. He doesn't look lost, he's not afraid to shot, and you can't tell me he doesn't hustle on defense. Sure, he's lost sometimes and he will make mistakes. That's part of being a rook in the league on a new system.
I'll be greatly surprised if Udoka plays any better though. And honestly, at least Neil has some upside to him. Udoka is already done.

[EricB]

actually that intentional foul mishap seems like just the thing to send Pop into a doghousing fury.

The only other thing Neal could have done worse would have been to pull his jersey over his head during live play and give up an easy transition score.


Or since Neal has been terrible shooting threes and not good at anything else....

[4down]

But I don't get how the Spurs chose him over Green.

Ime would fare better in a fight. Totally makes sense.

[objective]

I just had flashbacks of Bowen sitting down in Game 1 of the 2008 WCF, Spurs up 20, and Udoka coming in and getting incinerated by Kobe...

And that was two seasons ago... terrible fit, IMO.



god damn it, now I have to think about that atrocity.

That was the beginning of the end for Bowen under Pop.

[EricB]

Gary has been pretty good for a NBA rookie. He doesn't look lost, he's not afraid to shot, and you can't tell me he doesn't hustle on defense. Sure, he's lost sometimes and he will make mistakes. That's part of being a rook in the league on a new system.
I'll be greatly surprised if Udoka plays any better though. And honestly, at least Neil has some upside to him. Udoka is already done.

What upside?
Do they have drills to regain athleticism? Ya know, that same argument you maid for not resigning Jefferson?

Neal outside of one game has stunk.

[Das Texan]

This must mean there are zero swing prospects out there the Spurs actually like right now or are available.


I hope this is just a move done to keep the roster at the minimum until the Spurs can find someone who they think has a chance to be an nba player.

Hopefully the same applies to Quinn at the point spot.

[baseline bum]

I just had flashbacks of Bowen sitting down in Game 1 of the 2008 WCF, Spurs up 20, and Udoka coming in and getting incinerated by Kobe...

And that was two seasons ago... terrible fit, IMO.


:pctoss :pctoss :pctoss

[angelbelow]

I disagree with just about everyone here, Udoka can fill in at the 3 but he can excel at small ball 4...The guy may have had a couple of amazing workouts for the Spurs, and most importantly he fills a stopgap need with previous corporate knowledge.

Here's what I see, a somewhat dedicated defender who doesn't have a steep learning curve that can step in right now for the few weeks that we need him. Anybody else would have to be worked into the system, Udoka is a guy who knows the system, might benefit from the new uptempo spurs game, and he doesn't have to last more than a few months.

This leaves the spot open for James Anderson.

Its fine if you disagree with everyone here but did you actually read the reasoning?

Udoka cannot defend, his movement is extremely poor, based on recent years. Him aging a year doesnt necessarily help his cause. The uptempo system is creating more shots but based on recent years, he can't shoot either.

[lefty]

Or what?

Or what?


It will be. See that red X at the upper right corner of your browser? Click on it, and the thread will disappear, like magic.
http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2009/4/8/128836930373052693.jpg

[objective]

Or since Neal has been terrible shooting threes and not good at anything else....

he's had a couple of decent drives and passes.

and unlike Mason he actually fights to get around screens. Still not any good at it though with fouls and what not, but at least he's giving effort.

Neal might just be a 6-4 Bonner without the clutch choking.

BUT

I would hope that Ime isn't here to send Neal to DNP-CDville, but only to begin reducing Ginobili's minute load by having somebody else bigger than 6-4 playing SF behind RJ.

[lefty]

I just had flashbacks of Bowen sitting down in Game 1 of the 2008 WCF, Spurs up 20, and Udoka coming in and getting incinerated by Kobe...

And that was two seasons ago... terrible fit, IMO..

Thank you for bringing back great memories :toast

And Radman lighting up Manu

And TP choking on the last play :stirpot:

[ElNono]

Again, outside of the bobcats game, what has Neal done to earn guaranteed minutes?

Funny how you want to shit on this guy now. He might have had a couple of subpar games lately, but he's been getting regular minutes and he's part of the reason we're 12-1 now.

And there's more to the game than scoring. He hustles on defense, and sure, he makes mistakes, any player 13 games into their first NBA season does, but you can't tell me he looked like any of the other rooks we have had on the team. He has shown you can give him minutes and he can give passable production. That's all you need for your bench.

Heck, the guy has already played better defensively than Mason while he was here.

Do you remember Udoka at all? Bogans looks good next to him.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'm not a big Neal fan, but at least he CAN make 3-pointers, it's a strength he has displayed in multiple games..

Udoka literally has no NBA skills left..he was ranked as one one of the worst defenders in the NBA last year by NBA scouts, and he shot 28% from 3..he's beyond done..

I said the same thing about Simmons when the Spurs were even considering him, and I'll say it about Ime..he would have had to have made some miraculous strides during the off-season to be considered even a NBA-level player at this point..

[angelbelow]

What upside?
Do they have drills to regain athleticism? Ya know, that same argument you maid for not resigning Jefferson?

Neal outside of one game has stunk.

I agree about Neal. I don't think he has an upside. Hes a situational role player who plays hard.

[skinsfan1]

lol..awesome drew!

[EricB]

he's had a couple of decent drives and passes.

and unlike Mason he actually fights to get around screens. Still not any good at it though with fouls and what not, but at least he's giving effort.

Neal might just be a 6-4 Bonner without the clutch choking.

BUT

I would hope that Ime isn't here to send Neal to DNP-CDville, but only to begin reducing Ginobili's minute load by having somebody else bigger than 6-4 playing SF behind RJ.

:lmao

If u made Gary Neal white with red hair with the way he's played lately there would be calls for pop's firing because he's been so bad.


Bonner gets 15 and 7 and people are bitching.




Oh but Neal had that nice slow dribble drive and passed it out nicely!

[EricB]

I agree about Neal. I don't think he has an upside. Hes a situational role player who plays hard.


Which most likely udoka would be.


A move made more to reduce manu's minutes than anything.

[ElNono]

What upside?
Do they have drills to regain athleticism? Ya know, that same argument you maid for not resigning Jefferson?

Gary Neal is 26 years old. LOL at shitting on this guy 13 games into his first NBA season, while pushing for a 33 year old, completely over-the-hill Udoka.

[objective]

:lmao

If u made Gary Neal white with red hair with the way he's played lately there would be calls for pop's firing because he's been so bad.


Bonner gets 15 and 7 and people are bitching.




Oh but Neal had that nice slow dribble drive and passed it out nicely!

you asked :lol

[Bruno]

Udoka was never a good NBA player. He is now 33 years old and there have signs that he has nothing left in the tank. I don't like this signing.

I damn hope Spurs have only offered him a non-guaranted contract. If he as done as most of us think, he will be waived in 1 or 2 weeks after having shown it on the court. After that, Spurs could try another player and the Udoka saga wouldn't have been a big deal. If it's a guaranteed contract, it sucks.

[Nathan89]

I remember the days when we pondered the 30sf's on Timvp's list.:depressed

[In-SPUR-Raider]

I personally liked Udoka. I always thought he was a solid defender and now I think he'll be worth a good 10 mins per game.

But I'm trusting the Spurs FO with this one. I'm seeing this signing as a Theo Ratliff move. They'll sign Udoka, play him with VERY minimum minutes, then trade him for a future 2nd round pick and cash.

By the time that happens, everybody will have forgoten that Udoka was even on our roster this season lol

[objective]

I'd rather see them bring back the Big Dog.

either one really.

:lol

[EricB]

Gary Neal is 26 years old. LOL at shitting on this guy 13 games into his first NBA season, while pushing for a 33 year old, completely over-the-hill Udoka.


?!?! Didn't Jefferson just turn 30? A whopping four years older?

I'm not pushing for udoka, I'm laughing at the "he's gonna steal minutes from Neal"

If Neal was a player like James Anderson then yeah I'd be pissed off too.

[baseline bum]

Seriously, was Lloyd Daniels not answering his phone? I think I'd rather bring back Chuck Person.

[EricB]

you asked :lol


Am I right though about if he was white with red hair? :lol

[objective]

Am I right though about if he was white with red hair? :lol

no

he'd be getting more minutes from pop for one. :lol

[EricB]

no

he'd be getting more minutes from pop for one. :lol


Ha, I meant more of the reaction from said bipolar forum.

[ElNono]

?!?! Didn't Jefferson just turn 30? A whopping four years older?

I don't know where you're going with the RJ talk. My problem with RJ was never his age, but him being a bad fit and low-IQ basketball player.
I also questioned his mobility, but due to a prior injury, not age-related.


I'm not pushing for udoka, I'm laughing at the "he's gonna steal minutes from Neal"

Well, it's Udoka coming in. Would you rather he play the nearly 15 mins Neal gets? I mean, what other player's minutes is Udoka going to take?


If Neal was a player like James Anderson then yeah I'd be pissed off too.

Would you be pleased if Udoka took over Anderson's minutes when he comes back? Because I can definitely see that happening too, seeing how much time Anderson will have lost by then.

Obviously, I'm also hopeful that this is a try out contract, and then the discussion is moot unless the Spurs end up guaranteeing it.

[angelbelow]

Which most likely udoka would be.


A move made more to reduce manu's minutes than anything.

In the past few months I dont think we disagreed much but I dont like the udoka signing. I watched him quite a bit last year (I had Tyreke on my fantasy team) and there isnt much left he can do. I was a Udoka supporter the first time around but even then it was evident that he might not be an NBA level player.

I dont disagree that we'll thin at the 2/3 position and we needed to sign someone, just didn't think we'd go for a player that is done. Its just hard to imagine that Green, or another young prospect is that much worse to turn to Udoka. Obviously, I agree with you about the need to reduce Manu's minutes though..

[gospursgojas]

eh...whatever.

Did you care that Danny Green was riding the pine? Why should I care that Ime is? The 13th man is the 13th man

[Jason R]

I agree that it's a meaningless signing overall but, in general, what does Ime do well to warrant a spot?

[EricB]

In the past few months I dont think we disagreed much but I dont like the udoka signing. I watched him quite a bit last year (I had Tyreke on my fantasy team) and there isnt much left he can do. I was a Udoka supporter the first time around but even then it was evident that he might not be an NBA level player.

I dont disagree that we'll thin at the 2/3 position and we needed to sign someone, just didn't think we'd go for a player that is done. Its just hard to imagine that Green, or another young prospect is that much worse to turn to Udoka. Obviously, I agree with you about the need to reduce Manu's minutes though..


I think they like green but they are panicking in wanting someone familiar to help ease the Manu minutes crunch. They don't want to develop someone they want someone that knows what's going on and knows where to be enough they can reduce manu's minutes down about 8 a game . If he sees consistently more than 15 minutes a game it's a shit move

[EricB]

I don't know where you're going with the RJ talk. My problem with RJ was never his age, but him being a bad fit and low-IQ basketball player.
I also questioned his mobility, but due to a prior injury, not age-related.



Well, it's Udoka coming in. Would you rather he play the nearly 15 mins Neal gets? I mean, what other player's minutes is Udoka going to take?


Would you be pleased if Udoka took over Anderson's minutes when he comes back? Because I can definitely see that happening too, seeing how much time Anderson will have lost by
Obviously, I'm also hopeful that this is a try out contract, and then the discussion is moot unless the Spurs end up guaranteeing it.

Anderson will never lose minutes to udoka.

[SenorSpur]

This clearly like a stop-gap move until Anderson gets healthy. Manu is playing a lot of minutes and RJ, while he's gotten more competent, isn't a physical defender. The Spurs do need a sturdy backup SF with some size to provide some quality minutes. The guy knows the system and it should be a seamless transition.

I didn't know he was 33, so it will be interesting to see just how much he really does have left. One thing is for sure, it he doesn't work out, he'll be cut soon. I highly doubt this is a season-long experiment.

[tmtcsc]

Spurs kill the mood worse than a girl who smells like cigarettes.

Don't forget the chicks with Giant tatoos.

[objective]

re: whether or not it matters that a limited rookie like Neal would be the one that Udoka would take minutes from . . .

I do not favor, ever, giving chances to players who epically failed the Spurs in the playoffs when things mattered most over guys who haven't had that chance.

Udoka's last playoff run was pure garbage. 21 minutes a game of slow feet and 35% fg shooting with a massive 12.5% 3 pt clip.

Yes I would rather see Neal play over Udoka.

Unless Udoka was juiced enough that he could legitimately keep Ginobili from playing against larger SFs while exceeding 30 minutes a game. But if the Ginobili minutes stay high while Udoka snow-shoes around as Neal gets DNP-CDs, then I am disappoint.

[EricB]

Also it's a misnomer calling him the 13th man.

He's the 12thman until Anderson is healthy.

[EricB]

re: whether or not it matters that a limited rookie like Neal would be the one that Udoka would take minutes from . . .

I do not favor, ever, giving chances to players who epically failed the Spurs in the playoffs when things mattered most over guys who haven't had that chance.

Udoka's last playoff run was pure garbage. 21 minutes a game of slow feet and 35% fg shooting with a massive 12.5% 3 pt clip.

Yes I would rather see Neal play over Udoka.

Unless Udoka was juiced enough that he could legitimately keep Ginobili from playing against larger SFs while exceeding 30 minutes a game. But if the Ginobili minutes stay high while Udoka snow-shoes around as Neal gets DNP-CDs, then I am disappoint.


If Gary Neal was a legitimate prospect I'd agree.

[DPG21920]

Eric, Gary Neal can shoot 3's. What can Ime do? Please provide statistical evidence.

[objective]

Also it's a misnomer calling him the 13th man.

He's the 12thman until Anderson is healthy.

wouldn't he actually be the 11th man, ahead of Quinn?

Hell, maybe 10th man ahead of Neal?

Maybe 9th man ahead of DNP-Splitter?


If Gary Neal was a legitimate prospect I'd agree.

I don't even care if Neal is limited to who he is now. He has yet to fail in apocalyptic fashion in the playoffs for the Spurs, so he gets the benefit from the doubt for me.

I'm probably in the minority on that. But be it Mason or Bonner or whoever, I get tremendously biased against those players.

[Barfunk]

I just had flashbacks of Bowen sitting down in Game 1 of the 2008 WCF, Spurs up 20, and Udoka coming in and getting incinerated by Kobe...

Yupp...

Game 1, Spurs up by 20 then lose.
Game 3, Spurs win by 20.
Game 4, "controversial" no call on Barry.
Game 5, up 17 then lose.

lol, how did they lose that series?

[EricB]

Neal can shoot threes? He hasn't shown that consistently outside of the game against Charlotte.


Udoka will take the backup 3 minutes Manu has been playing. That's all.

[DPG21920]

So his 43% 3PT shooting was all from the Charlotte game :lol

[objective]

Neal can shoot threes? He hasn't shown that consistently outside of the game against Charlotte.


2/4 vs NOH
4/8 vs LAC
2/4 vs CLE

.432 for the season

?

[gospursgojas]

Neal can shoot threes? He hasn't shown that consistently outside of the game against Charlotte.


Udoka will take the backup 3 minutes Manu has been playing. That's all.

?????

[Solid D]

Gary Neal still spaces the floor because teams are sticking to him like glue on the perimeter. The scouting report seems to be clear on Gary. Neal has his limitations but he also has his uses offensively. When he is on the floor with Ginobili and Hill, they have been a very effective 3-guard lineup with Jefferson at the 4 (see 82games).

Udoka...not so much. Teams are more likely to leave Ime to double or sag to help in the lane.

[Libri]

Udoka's 3-point shooting percentage has dropped significantly, .286 in 09-10 with Sacramento.

[ElNono]

Neal can shoot threes?

Do you actually watch games?
Not just 3's, he has better handles than what Mason will ever have driving to the basket.

I honestly don't care who they sign for a 13th man role. What I question is your need to have to talk down one player to prop up whoever they're signing.

You played the exact same tune talking shit about Gee in order to justify Simmons. Rinse and repeat talking shit about Jerrels to prop up Temple.

There's no need to do that...

[angelbelow]

The argument regarding Neal and Udoka may be moot. Udoka is probably going to play 5 minutes max at the 3 position. Hopefully most games he doesn't see the the court at all.

However regarding the 2, Neal's role can be safely classified as a situational role player. While Udoka hasn't been an NBA level player in the past 2 years.

[DPG21920]

Wait, so how do we know they aren't bringing back Ime as a coach? Or a consultant? Just because they are bringing him back doesn't mean they are bringing him back as a player, right??!!!!

[gospursgojas]

Wait, so how do we know they aren't bringing back Ime as a coach? Or a consultant? Just because they are bringing him back doesn't mean they are bringing him back as a player, right??!!!!

Ime didn't look like coach material. I remember some here actually questioned if he was mentally slow....not me just sayin

[Solid D]

Neal is currently ranked 26 in the NBA in 3-pt shooting. Certainly not bad enough to write him off. The only Rookies with better percentages from the arc are Al-Farouq Aminu and James Anderson.

[DPG21920]

Ime didn't look like coach material. I remember some here actually questioned if he was mentally slow....not me just sayin

Denial. It's not just a river in Egypt.

[Ice009]

Funny how you want to shit on this guy now. He might have had a couple of subpar games lately, but he's been getting regular minutes and he's part of the reason we're 12-1 now.

And there's more to the game than scoring. He hustles on defense, and sure, he makes mistakes, any player 13 games into their first NBA season does, but you can't tell me he looked like any of the other rooks we have had on the team. He has shown you can give him minutes and he can give passable production. That's all you need for your bench.

Heck, the guy has already played better defensively than Mason while he was here.

Do you remember Udoka at all? Bogans looks good next to him.

He's also had more than the one good game that EricB is talking about, and he's grabbed rebounds at times too. Some games he's had more rebounds than Bonner with 5 or 6 boards. He has shown that he can handle the ball a bit and he's got a few different shots in his arsenal other than the 3 point shot.

Now, about Ime - WHAT THE FUCK ARE THE SPURS THINKING ABOUT???

I watched him play a game for the Kings last season against the Lakers and he was absolutely PUTRID out there. He got totally destroyed and his shot was horrible.

I DO NOT WANT IME AT ALL. Absolutely crazy signing.

[LeCrab]

Don't pay attention to eric b them twinkies got his mind messed up

[Ross Parrot]

I think Udoka's 08-09 season erases the okay season he had before that one. Well, we all know who's the only one who can pull Bowen out of the game and we all know Udoka isn't Bruce Bowen so I don't know why everyone is faulting him for Pop's mistake. He had to guard Kobe Bryant!

Still I would want to know why Green was waived so early.

[TD 21]

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.

It was obvious with Green abruptly being waived that the Spurs were going to bring in a veteran, though. As the schedule get's more hectic and arduous, it's clear the Spurs will need another wing with size to eat up some minutes. Particularly because Pop either doesn't fully trust Neal yet, see's him as someone who needs to be played in select match-ups or both.

Unfortunately, Udoka is going to play. Not every game, but I suspect Pop will not hesitate to play him because he's a veteran and he knows the system. He'll probably be (part of) the Spurs answer to guarding Lewis, Odom, Nowitzki, etc. Even though he has no chance at all at guarding them adequately, I fully expect him to be utilized in those match-ups.

[justinandimcool]

He'll be getting Alonzo Gee/Chris Quinn minutes. Nothing to see here. The 13th man carousel will continue until someone sticks, and Ime won't.

[ChumpDumper]

I think he'll play til they realize they just how slow he is.

[HarlemHeat37]

Sucks that Hairston got hurt multiple times in the off-season..from all indications since he left the Spurs, it appears that the injuries were the main reason for the departure, he could have been a decent insurance for Anderson..(Hairston thread!)..

[LeCrab]

Sucks that Hairston got hurt multiple times in the off-season..from all indications since he left the Spurs, it appears that the injuries were the main reason for the departure, he could have been a decent insurance for Anderson..(Hairston thread!)..
this hairston was the perfect fit for this team :depressed:depressed:depressed:depressed

[Ross Parrot]

How about getting a defensive player without slow legs? Then again, who are we to question the infallible Pop:worthy::pop:
:lol

[Truth4sale$]

Worst move yet. Hopefully it's not a guaranteed deal. I would rather see the rotating players every 2 weeks.

[TD 21]

He'll be getting Alonzo Gee/Chris Quinn minutes. Nothing to see here. The 13th man carousel will continue until someone sticks, and Ime won't.

Yeah right. He'll play against face-up fours (unless you think it's a coincidence that they sign him the day after they just played Lewis and had trouble guarding him and the fact that Udoka used to be utilized in those match-ups) and he'll probably play against Bryant, James, Anthony, etc.

Overall, Neal will probably play more, but whoever plays each game will probably have more to do with match-ups than anything.

Unfortunately, I think Udoka lasts for the season. If the Spurs wanted to keep auditioning young players, they'd have given Green an actual look.


Sucks that Hairston got hurt multiple times in the off-season..from all indications since he left the Spurs, it appears that the injuries were the main reason for the departure, he could have been a decent insurance for Anderson..(Hairston thread!)..

It was obvious the Spurs had Hairston pegged to take over the role of Bogans/Udoka.

I don't know why anyone didn't buy that injuries were the main reason in the first place. The way this team goes through fringe players, if they didn't genuinely think relatively highly of him, then he wouldn't have lasted the better part of two years in the first place. Also, they gave him more run than they ever gave to any of the other fringe players.

[Chomag]

I don't get it. Why even sign a player that you wont even play? IF that were so it might as well be a project player to try to develope and thats not Ime.

What can Ime do for this team other then for the spurs have to pay for a dud?

[Kori Ellis]

Did someone else get hurt?

To me, Udoka would be a signing you'd make if you needed someone to fill minutes who "knew the system."

Anyway, he's super slow but (unless someone else is injured) I don't think he'll get much playing time unless it's in blowouts.

[jag]

I like the signing.


That is all.

[Drachen]

Centerpiece beta version now equals Centerpiece 2.0

[jag]

Oh how soon we forget...

Ime vs Lakers 1 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200804130LAL.html)

Ime vs Lakers 2 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200801230SAS.html)

[polandprzem]

Did someone else get hurt?

To me, Udoka would be a signing you'd make if you needed someone to fill minutes who "knew the system."

Anyway, he's super slow but (unless someone else is injured) I don't think he'll get much playing time unless it's in blowouts.

Exactly

About having a guy that knows the system

[TD 21]

This is the rare time I'd prefer to be wrong, but unfortunately, I probably won't be.

Udoka will likely play in the aforementioned match-ups. This isn't some green player like (no pun intended) Green or Gee, this is a veteran guy who knows the system. With the Spurs dearth of wings with size, I can't see him being stapled to the bench. Be prepared to see his lead footed defense and erratic shooting on a semi-regular basis.

[dunkman]

The Spurs must sign the 13-th player and they have cut Green for some reasons. Udoka is probably the best currently available player.

[GSH]

I think I was one of the last hold-out believers around here. I really thought he was going to get his shit together, and he never failed to disappoint. It's kind of hard for me to get excited about him coming back. Maybe he'll make me look stupid twice by being really good this time.:rolleyes


I think what really killed his game was taking that job on Criminal Minds:

http://z.about.com/d/sanantonio/1/7/V/O/-/-/ime-udoka-spurs.jpg
http://www.lovebscott.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/shemar_moore_2008_052308_1.jpg

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Mass pooping on poor Ime here.

I can almost imagine the overly joyous thread that 'Spurs waive Udoka' will be in a couple of weeks.

BTW, I like Ime and think he can do a job for ~5-10 mins a night to spare Manu, but on with the hating on the 12th man I guess. :(

[bigdog]

I'd rather bring back Finley, and I'm being 100% completely honest when I say that. Hell, I'd even take DerMarr Johnson over Udoka. Speaking of Johnson, where is he at? I know he was in camp with the T'Wolves. Dude can shoot. Too bad he got that DUI when he was with the Spurs.

[will_spurs]

Damn I remember that first game of the 2008 WCF and the epic meltdown at the end. I watched it at 8am in New Zealand... and I remember it enough to "just say no to Udoka".

If many people are freaking out it's obviously because of Pop's history to get infatuated by just plain bad, old, slow "veterans" who killed the show more than once.

I look at this move in the same way I looked at the NOH trade with Toronto: why mess with a winning team? With a new prospect at least there would be no risk of Pop overplaying him. With Udoka, one never knows.

The best case scenario I can see is that he's been brought in to explain the system/practice with the younger guys, and won't even sniff the floor of a NBA game. Unfortunately there are probably better players available right now to do that.

[Truth4sale$]

Nobody knows how the contract is set up. This could be something to provide depth until Andersen returns and before all contracts are guaranteed.

[Obstructed_View]

Or since Neal has been terrible shooting threes and not good at anything else....

:lol Since when have you ever noticed anything else?

[Obstructed_View]

If many people are freaking out it's obviously because of Pop's history to get infatuated by just plain bad, old, slow "veterans" who killed the show more than once.

More than one person has suggested recently that this season's likely to be a success because there's no crappy veterans aside from Bonner to take minutes away from superior young players. Those people spoke too soon.

[polandprzem]

More than one person has suggested recently that this season's likely to be a success because there's no crappy veterans aside from Bonner to take minutes away from superior young players. Those people spoke too soon.

Or maybe right now you speaking too soon?

[jjktkk]

If the Spurs wanted to keep auditioning young players, they'd have given Green an actual look.

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.

[jjktkk]

Unless the Spurs can find a young prospect to develop this season, your not going to find a whole lot of options out there. He does know the system and is a physical player. This sigining might be just another audition, to see if Udoka has anything left. If he does, I have no problem with Udoka as a 13th man. Even if Udoka sticks with the Spurs, I can't see him getting any minutes once Anderson is back.

[mexicanjunior]

Absolutely horrendous signing...Spurs would be better off placing a mannequin at the charge circle and hope someone runs over it. Udoka is a terrible shooter, would instantly be the slowest and worst defender on the court for both teams at all times and find his usual way of killing possessions with over dribbling and bad passing. I would welcome Finley and Bogans back with open arms over this spare...

[hsxvvd]

hmm... Willie Anderson wasn't available?

[mountainballer]

Unless the Spurs can find a young prospect to develop this season, your not going to find a whole lot of options out there. He does know the system and is a physical player. This sigining might be just another audition, to see if Udoka has anything left. If he does, I have no problem with Udoka as a 13th man. Even if Udoka sticks with the Spurs, I can't see him getting any minutes once Anderson is back.

agree.
I would also like to read about an other player they bring in, but the veteran pool currently is totally dry and it does make more sense to bring in a player from that pool who knows the team than someone like lets say Wilkins, Pavlovic or George. if Spurs really want to upgrade the wing during this season, they can only do this via trade and the options for a decent trade rise significantly after December 15th. I think Udoka is just a stop-gap till then. (and at that point Spurs know better if and when they can expect Anderson back)

and btw. : we always assume the Spurs could just pick any of those FA players (like Hayes for example), but in reality most of those vets just won't agree to a non guaranteed contract at this moment. they rather wait for a desperate team willing to hand them a guaranteed contract for the reminder of the season. (chance that this happen is likely better in January than in November)

[mattyc]

Udoka is okay for the last guy on the roster, but I'd be surprised if he sticks long term.

[jiggy_55]

I find it useless. Don't see him getting any significant minutes, would rather they keep looking at younger prospects and maybe find some good young player rather than Udoka who doesn't bring much to the team unless major players are injured.

[BronxCowboy]

It's the 13th spot! Gee didn't play, Green didn't play, and Udoka won't play either. If the Spurs signed a young "project" type player, you guys would be bitching and moaning about him not playing. All they really need is somebody who can sit down and shut up and not cause trouble. I think Udoka can do that. TBH, I wouldn't freak out if they signed random Spurstalkers to ride the bench just so they meet the 13-player minimum.

Maybe Udoka could even be put in the game for 30 seconds once in a while just to lay somebody out and get ejected.

[benefactor]

Wow...this went from discussion about Udoka to a complete TPark fail fest.

Anyway, is Udoka still dating Nia Long?

[angelbelow]

It's the 13th spot! Gee didn't play, Green didn't play, and Udoka won't play either. If the Spurs signed a young "project" type player, you guys would be bitching and moaning about him not playing. All they really need is somebody who can sit down and shut up and not cause trouble. I think Udoka can do that. TBH, I wouldn't freak out if they signed random Spurstalkers to ride the bench just so they meet the 13-player minimum.

Maybe Udoka could even be put in the game for 30 seconds once in a while just to lay somebody out and get ejected.

Wow this posts fails so hard.

[BronxCowboy]

Wow this posts fails so hard.

Why? If the guy isn't going to play regardless, it doesn't matter who he is, it only matters that he doesn't cause trouble. That's the point I'm making. The 13th guy on the roster isn't going to be playing. I'm just saying there is way too much freaking out on this board about who the benchwarmers are.

[TJastal]

Do you really mean that? Udoka is a six year NBA player with knowledge of the Spurs system. Green is...


Exactly +1. The spurs don't need another "prospect" to develop, they just need a temporary wing. Udoka comes with spurs corporate knowledge built in and is only going to be filling in temporarily until Anderson is ready to come back.

Now, if Pop puts him into the starting lineup and starts calling him "centerpiece" I'll start to worry.

[ceperez]

couldn't we have bowen instead for the 13th spot?

did bowen officially retire?

[TJastal]

Why not bring Brent Barry back instead?

Uh....

[TJastal]

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.

Original member bringin' the goods.

[TJastal]

LOL, who the hell were you disappointed people expecting the spurs could get?

:lmao :rollin :lol :downspin: :nope :eyebrows :clap :elephant

[urunobili]

so when Anderson comes back Ime will be inactive?

[polandprzem]

Wow...this went from discussion about Udoka to a complete TPark fail fest.

Frankly is this something new?

[angelbelow]

Why? If the guy isn't going to play regardless, it doesn't matter who he is, it only matters that he doesn't cause trouble. That's the point I'm making. The 13th guy on the roster isn't going to be playing. I'm just saying there is way too much freaking out on this board about who the benchwarmers are.

This thread covers the counter points to what you are saying pretty well.

Btw, how do you figure that the majority of the posters are freaking out? Are their comments unreasonable?

[TJastal]

actually that intentional foul mishap seems like just the thing to send Pop into a doghousing fury.

The only other thing Neal could have done worse would have been to pull his jersey over his head during live play and give up an easy transition score.

Haha, I think you're right.

In the games I've seen, Neal's defense has been horrible, guy can't run through a pick if his life depended on it. He's not going to last very much longer IMO.

[Ice009]

Haha, I think you're right.

In the games I've seen, Neal's defense has been horrible, guy can't run through a pick if his life depended on it. He's not going to last very much longer IMO.

I think he will because he can shoot the ball and Pop is always looking for stone cold shooters.

[ChuckD]

Haha, I think you're right.

In the games I've seen, Neal's defense has been horrible, guy can't run through a pick if his life depended on it. He's not going to last very much longer IMO.

He'll be here all year. Year one of his contract is fully guaranteed. Spurs won't cut him unless LeBron is waived and they need a roster spot.

You will, however, note that even with the absence of Anderson, Neal's PT has dropped sharply.

[ElNono]

Oh how soon we forget...

Ime vs Lakers 1 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200804130LAL.html)

Ime vs Lakers 2 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200801230SAS.html)

What did we forget?

Here's a refresher:
chH3ofesY3c

[ElNono]

Udoka comes with spurs corporate knowledge built in and is only going to be filling in temporarily until Anderson is ready to come back.

Does that work like Bonner going to fill in temporarily until Splitter gets up to speed? Or Matty being the 5th big and playing 15 mins a game?

After the Finley veteran lovefest, you'll have to excuse me if I'm skeptical.

[Bruno]

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.

[gameFACE]

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.

[AlleyOopNazi]

he knows the system and can play D against lottery teams, Pop can use him to relieve minutes against shit teams and knows that the rock will still rotate, and that puts him ahead of all the players waived this year. He can rebound, and pass but if he gets a green light at the basket, God help us.

[ohmwrecker]

God dammit! At least we have someone who can lay some lumber on anyone who tries to "Eduardo" one of our players.

[yavozerb]

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.
I agree, the 2nd unit needed another veteran, not a project player, to keep up the momentum that our starters seem to have lately..Ime, not any means a great player offensively or defensivly, knows what is expected of him by pop on both sides of the court.


God dammit! At least we have someone who can lay some lumber on anyone who tries to "Eduardo" one of our players.

Ime is exactly the kind of player who will get in opposing players faces if need be. Pop is getting tired of this flagrant foul shit and Ime was already on his speed dial...

[Dex]

Bonner sounded like a great 5th big, too. But everybody was convinced that he would be buried behind Splitter and Dice. Instead, he's become the first big off the bench most nights. Granted he is playing well (and shooting even better) right now, but I feel better about Tiago's development in the long term than I do about Bonner being able to keep up this pace. And right now, Tiago is hardly seeing any playing time.

The point is, nobody really knows how Pop will end up using Ime. IF he ends up playing spot minutes, I'm sure it's not the worst signing in the world. If he manages to crack the rotation for whatever reason, well...I just have flashbacks to 2008-2009 when the offense would start to sputter whenever he hit the court.

[rjv]

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.

first post to make sense in here. udoka will get some minutes until anderson (and if ) is ready and in shape to get into the rotation again.

[HarlemHeat37]

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..

[spursfan1000]

If he can hit his shots I like it, but if he cant, let him go in less than a week

[gospursgojas]

The only problem I see with this signing is that the SPurs currently never have a lineup on the floor that consists of a offensive liability. As we did in the past with Bogans, (cold) RMJ, Vaughn, Ime pt1.

Now I can see that happening when/if Ime is on the floor.

[Warlord23]

Wow...this went from discussion about Udoka to a complete TPark fail fest.


Forget Udoka, this thread is about the forum taking a collective dump on EricB / TPark.


Neal can shoot threes?

What's gary Neal done since the bobcats game for him to be given guaranteed minutes?

Gary Neal has been putrid and there's no one else

Neal outside of one game has stunk.

Or since Neal has been terrible shooting threes and not good at anything else....



Meanwhile, back on planet Earth:


Gary Neal: 16-37 3PM-A; .432 3P%; .514 eFG%; .515 TS%

He was billed as a scorer coming into the NBA and the 26-year-old has not been bashful in proving that scouting report correct. Neal rarely hesitates to shoot when he’s open. Even when he’s covered, he’s apt to probe with a few dribbles in search of an opening. Neal shows some playmaking ability and has done a good job of tiptoeing the line between aggressiveness and too aggressive. Offensively, Neal appears to be well-rounded enough to help the team — as long as he continues to shoot well from three-point land.

[weebo]

Udoka first stint as a Spur was pure fail. Not much will change this time.

[TJastal]

He'll be here all year. Year one of his contract is fully guaranteed. Spurs won't cut him unless LeBron is waived and they need a roster spot.

You will, however, note that even with the absence of Anderson, Neal's PT has dropped sharply.

Yah, bad wording on my part. I knew Neal was guaranteed, I meant he's apt to be out of the rotation soon. Defensively he makes Roger Mason look like Bruce Bowen.

[sandman]

235+ posts on a vet signing the minimum for the 13th spot.

Classic SpursTalk.

[Agloco]

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/MABOcho/slowfacepalm.gif

This.

Does Ime come with or without his walker?

[LOL@MavsFan]

Pinche caca arm...I hope he NEVER sniffs the floor

[Mel_13]

You will, however, note that even with the absence of Anderson, Neal's PT has dropped sharply.

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

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


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.

: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.

[TJastal]

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.

So you'd rather have prissy Jefferson playing the small ball 4?

[Mel_13]

So you'd rather have prissy Jefferson playing the small ball 4?

RIF. Try again.

[Darkwaters]

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..

You and I know thats not true. This whole forum has a tendency of creaming ourselves over anybody thats taller than 6'6 and athletic, thinking they're the next great thing. If the Spurs had signed a do nothing player with those physical skills then EVERYBODY would be clammering to get him in the game and see his skills. If they'd signed a do nothing player that was lacking in those physical characteristics then everybody would be bitching about that 6'8 athletic freak we'd passed on to take whomever we ended up with. We, as a forum, ALWAYS bitch about that fringe player. Theres never a player that nobody cares about.

[TJastal]

This.

Does Ime come with or without his walker?

33 ain't over the hill. Michael Jordan won his last championship at age 35.
He's still got a couple years left in the tank IMO.

[TJastal]

RIF. Try again.

So you apparently do prefer Jefferson as a small ball 4, even though we've seen time and time again his game goes straight to hell and a handbasket... okay good for you.

[Mel_13]

So you apparently do prefer Jefferson as a small ball 4, even though we've seen time and time again his game goes straight to hell and a handbasket... okay good for you.

:lmao

Reading comprehension is a problem for you.

[TJastal]

:lmao

Reading comprehension is a problem for you.

Let's backtrack.

You said you were concerned about seeing Udoka as a small ball PF. Do I need to quote you? Since its a given Pop will fiddle with small ball at least once per game, how is it a problem having Udoka there to play the 4 instead of Jefferson?

[Obstructed_View]

33 ain't over the hill. Michael Jordan won his last championship at age 35.

And we have our first comparison between Ime Udoka and Michael Jordan. And it didn't come from TPark.

[8FOR!3]

I highly doubt Pop plays Udoka at small ball 4. He's 6'5. lol, we are 11-1, give Pop some credit...

[PDXSpursFan]

The good news is that we're not bringing back Finley :lol

[Mel_13]

Let's backtrack.

You said you were concerned about seeing Udoka as a small ball PF. Do I need to quote you? Since its a given Pop will fiddle with small ball at least once per game, how is it a problem having Udoka there to play the 4 instead of Jefferson?

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.