Udoka's next stop? Looks like the Spurs

[bdictjames]

Yeah.

[AFBlue]

so pretty much if he has 1 good year hes out

I'm guessing the second year of the deal is a team option, rather than a player option. It just seems more logical that the Spurs would continue to be flexible with their payroll going into next summer.

On the whole, it's a pretty good deal. They get a solid defensive player who's speciality is 3pt shooting.

But, if it's at or above $2.5M, the Spurs will be at least a mil over the lux tax threshold. That tells me they may not be done dealing, or will keep their options open when considering the future of players like Barry and Beno.

Bottom Line: Good deal for Spurs-type role player. It doesn't make up for the earlier gaffes in the summer, but it's a good start on the road to recovery.

[Kori Ellis]

Better than nothing I guess (if it actually happens).

I assume Barry is on the way out then.

[timvp]

Two-years, $2M for Udoka would be an amazing steal. Considering that someone like Jason Kapono got $6M/year this offseason, Udoka for $1/year is shocking. The only thing Kapono does better than Udoka is shoot threes ... and Udoka is a good three-point shooter himself.

It looks like what some of us said turned out to be the case that the Spurs were low-balling Udoka to force his hand. Udoka and his agent knew San Antonio was the best opportunity, yet wanted more money (which you can't blame them for). The Spurs waited them out and like the agent said, the well dried up. For example, Matt Barnes had to sign a one-year, $3M contract after playing pretty well last year.

The Spurs waited out the rest of the league and when it came down to comparable offers, Udoka picked the best situation. Nice job by both the Spurs and Udoka. I thought a three-year contract for $9M was a good deal. This deal is just staggering after the season Udoka had last year. It's basically a minimum contract.






P.S.

However I'll wait to be excited about this until it's actually official. It's been "close" for a while now.

[SenorSpur]

Two-years, $2M for Udoka would be an amazing steal. Considering that someone like Jason Kapono got $6M/year this offseason, Udoka for $1/year is shocking. The only thing Kapono does better than Udoka is shoot threes ... and Udoka is a good three-point shooter himself.

It looks like what some of us said turned out to be the case that the Spurs were low-balling Udoka to force his hand. Udoka and his agent knew San Antonio was the best opportunity, yet wanted more money (which you can't blame them for). The Spurs waited them out and like the agent said, the well dried up. For example, Matt Barnes had to sign a one-year, $3M contract after playing pretty well last year.

The Spurs waited out the rest of the league and when it came down to comparable offers, Udoka picked the best situation. Nice job by both the Spurs and Udoka. I thought a three-year contract for $9M was a good deal. This deal is just staggering after the season Udoka had last year. It's basically a minimum contract.






P.S.

However I'll wait to be excited about this until it's actually official. It's been "close" for a while now.

I'm sure if this works out for both parties, the Spurs would likely give him a bump in salary and years if his contributions warrant it. Similar to what they did with Oberto.

[Darkwaters]

It's about ing time!

This will more than makeup for the failed James White experiement.

Udoka will be a wonderful transitional option at the swing slot. This will buy the Spurs more time while they continue their never-ending search for the so-called "Derrick McKey"-type of player.

I think Udoka is poised to be Bowen's replacement now while the "Derrick McKey" type will be brought in to play alongside Udoka. I don't think you have simply one or the other...I think you have both. Besides, with his height we could see Ime playing more SG than SF at times. And when Finley leaves he could start at the 2 and sub out for Ginobili (or simply roll over to the 3 when Manu comes in). We'll just see what happens as time goes along.

[Darkwaters]

I'm sure if this works out for both parties, the Spurs would likely give him a bump in salary and years if his contributions warrant it. Similar to what they did with Oberto.

Considering that Finley, Bowen and Barry will all be expiring that is a very likely occurance. Especially if none of those guys resign with the Spurs. Udoka could be a starter within a year.

[The Mole]

I worked this deal from the inside

[Obstructed_View]

Sounds great, but are you suggesting small ball?

Parker, Ginobili, Udoka, Bowen, Duncan? This doesn't work.

So who do you bench in these scenarios, given Iverson, Anthony, Howard, Dirk all play 40 mins?

There's nothing wrong with smallball that can play defense. When you have slow individual defenders on the perimiter and no shot blockers in the paint then the layup line begins.

I think Pop learned his lesson about shuffling the roster to deal with individual matchups. If the team can play defense as a unit, then individual players can't hurt you as badly. Besides, Duncan's going to defend Dirk in the playoffs from now on. I think the 50 points per game myth has died the death it deserves.

[ducks]

Better than nothing I guess (if it actually happens).

I assume Barry is on the way out then.

barry and beno for?

[tlongII]

Udoka's agent is an idiot. 2 years for a million a year??? Unbeavable.

[MoSpur]

It it becomes official for the numbers mentioned, it would be a very good deal for the Spurs.

[SequSpur]

coyote > udoka

[TwoHandJam]

There's nothing wrong with smallball that can play defense. When you have slow individual defenders on the perimiter and no shot blockers in the paint then the layup line begins.

I think Pop learned his lesson about shuffling the roster to deal with individual matchups. If the team can play defense as a unit, then individual players can't hurt you as badly. Besides, Duncan's going to defend Dirk in the playoffs from now on. I think the 50 points per game myth has died the death it deserves.

I think it'll be great if we can sign Udoka at 2M/yr and we definitely need the infusion of youth on the wings but I still see the need for a long 3. I don't think Tim is the answer on Dirk for extended periods because he's still faster than Tim and can pull Tim out of shotblocking position.

We're going to need another forward that is mobile and at least 6'7" before Bowen declines seriously. Right now the only prospects we have are Williams and Sanikidze (maybe Mahinmi?). I hope one of them pans out.

[loveforthegame]

Nice news to wake up to. Finally. What a steal for the Spurs.

[Bruno]

Udoka could maybe be a decent small ball PF. He is only 6'5" but is quite strong and was a very good rebounder when he played in Europe. He spend one year split between Spain and France and averaged 9.2 rebounds/40min.
His rebounding numbers weren't good with Portland but it was maybe because he stayed on the perimeter defending the best perimeter player. If you use him as a small ball PF, maybe he could be a good rebounder like he was when he played in Europe.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

The sooner the Spurs can make this official the sooner the Spurs own the entire "U" section of NBA.com. That's the kind of dominance you expect from a dynasty.

[timvp]

Udoka could maybe be a decent small ball PF. He is only 6'5" but is quite strong and was a very good rebounder when he played in Europe. He spend one year split between Spain and France and averaged 9.2 rebounds/40min.
His rebounding numbers weren't good with Portland but it was maybe because he stayed on the perimeter defending the best perimeter player. If you use him as a small ball PF, maybe he could be a good rebounder like he was when he played in Europe.

In Bruno's eyes, does Udoka fill the void you talked about in this post.

[Holt's Cat]

Hope so. He would allow the Spurs to continue to play their style post-Bruce. Plus, until Bruce's retirement the Spurs can throw two top perimeter defenders at an opponent at the same time.

[lotr1trekkie]

Udoka will be on the 12 man roster so someone has to go. Barry or Beno?

[misterx91578]

nice deal

[AFBlue]

Udoka will be on the 12 man roster so someone has to go. Barry or Beno?

I wouldn't say Udoka HAS to be on the 12-man roster.

I'd say there's a good chance because he seems to be the type of player that the Spurs really covet, but Udoka hasn't proven that he's worthy of any minutes for this team as of yet.

I think he could eventually push Barry to the end of the bench, and off this team, but I don't think it happens right away....if at all.

And I doubt Beno gets the boot because of the position that he plays. It has become standard practice that 3 PGs dress out every game, and I don't see that changing....

[mcdunk]

Better than nothing I guess (if it actually happens).

I assume Barry is on the way out then.

I disagree, Beno before Barry IMO. Barry gives more flexibility with the 12 man rotation by being able to play SG and run the point. His alson has an expiring contract.

[genghisrex]

Pop loves Finley, but I don't think he'll be able to keep Udoka and his defense out of the starting line-up for long. I bet he'll start next to Bruce at the 2 within the first couple months of the season.

[Bruno]

In Bruno's eyes, does Udoka fill the void you talked about in this post.

Not really. Udoka is unproven as small ball PF in nba. I will wait to see what he could do at the PF spot before saying that he fills this void. He has some interesting qualities (strength and rebounding) but is only 6'5". So, wait and see.

You often say that Devin Brown wasn't a that bad small ball PF, maybe Udoka could do the same thing.