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Gee: Signing with Spurs was 'big decision'
By Michael Lee
Washington Post
Alonzo Gee understood that there was some risk when he decided to leave Washington after his second 10-day contract to join a playoff contender in San Antonio.
With the Wizards, Gee was assured playing time on an injury-ravaged and inexperienced team. But with the Spurs, Gee was presented the opportunity for some guaranteed money this season and the chance to learn how NBA champions like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker prepare for their craft.
"It was a big decision," Gee said on Monday after rejoining the Wizards when his stint with the Spurs ended with him getting waived last week. "I thought about it, because going to the Spurs, they was going to the playoffs. It was giving up playing time and sitting. I had to think about it."
Looking back on it all turned out, it's easy to say that Gee made a mistake, since he possibly could've used extended playing time in Washington to secure a guaranteed contract somewhere. But Gee saw the benefit in going to San Antonio. "Just how they approach the game, how everything is serious, everything is family like," he said. "It's just a great organization."
Gee just never got an opportunity to play, which led him back to the first organization that provided him an NBA platform. "I didn't know what was going on. But like I said, I'm glad to be here," Gee said. "It's over with and I got to get ready for the game" against Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Gee's decision to leave upset members of the Wizards' coaching staff, including Flip Saunders, who quickly became a fan of Gee's energy and hustle. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11 games, scoring a career-high 19 points in his last game with the team.
His departure created an opportunity for Cartier Martin to replace him and eventually make the team this season. But when Gee cleared waivers last Thursday, the Wizards wasted little time in going after the 6-foot-6 swingman. Although Gee was signed to a non-guaranteed deal, Saunders hinted that Gee could be around for a while.
"We like what he did, his ability to get out in the open floor, really run, help defend. So I think he's a good match with the people that we have. He gives us something that we really don't have," Saunders said about Gee. "This is a situation, a guy that we liked. When you look in the future, you look to take guys that have a chance to be with you, whether it's this year, next year or the year after. I think a guy that we can develop in how we want to play, that he can fit in that role."
Gee may have taken a protracted route back to Washington, but he was all smiles on Monday. "It's good to be back in the system. Young players and we feel like we're going to get some stuff done here. It should be a lot of fun. They run, they move the ball and they looking to pass and they can score. It should be a good time."
