McDonald: A Relapse For Stoudamire

[duncan228]

Jeff McDonald: A relapse for Stoudamire

In a turn of events that can't be good for his chances of making the team, Salim Stoudamire was back on the sidelines at Spurs practice Tuesday after tweaking his strained left groin.

Stoudamire initially injured the muscle on Sept. 30, the first day of training camp, and did not play in the team's first four preseason games. He made his exhibition debut against Indiana on Saturday, scoring eight points in 21 minutes.

Signed away from Atlanta in early September, Stoudamire, 26, was presumed to have a good chance to earn a spot as a scoring option off the bench with the Spurs, but has had trouble staying healthy enough to prove his worth.

His latest setback could open the door for other non-roster invitees who are vying for one of the Spurs' two remaining roster slots.

One of the players who could benefit is Malik Hairston, a 6-foot-6 guard out of California the Spurs acquired in a draft-day trade. There is a little bit of pressure for Hairston to pan out considering the player he was traded for, Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic, playing well for the Phoenix Suns.

"All you can do is ask for a chance," said Hairston, who is averaging 5.2 points in 21.8 minutes during the preseason. "That's what Coach Pop has given me, a great opportunity. I'm enjoying this for what it is."

[xtremesteven33]

Farmer > Hairston

[benefactor]

Nails in the coffin....

[tlongII]

Malik Hairston went to Oregon, not Cal.

[SenorSpur]

Malik Hairston went to Oregon, not Cal.

thanks for clarifiying. I thought that was an error.

[SenorSpur]

One of the players who could benefit is Malik Hairston, a 6-foot-6 guard out of California the Spurs acquired in a draft-day trade. There is a little bit of pressure for Hairston to pan out considering the player he was traded for, Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic, playing well for the Phoenix Suns.

My biggest fear is that Hairston doesn't pan out. Spurs cut him. Another team picks him up and he develops there.

[BacktoBasics]

I thought this was a Damon pot head thread.

[tav1]

Bummer for Stoudamire.

This is just another reason why it's smart of the Spurs not to have cut guys earlier this week.

There is still an outside chance that some odd combo of players--Farmer and Hairston, for example--make the team. And I still think the Spurs would entertain offers for Vaughn.

We'll see.

[MoSpur]

Too bad for Salim.

[remingtonbo2001]

I personally preferred Hairston.

Anyways, best of luck to Salim.

[tp2021]

I personally preferred Hairston.

Anyways, best of luck to Salim.

+1

[spursnatic]

I would like to see Stoudamire and Farmer stick with the club, because both of those guys are proven scorers!!! And both of them can consistantly hit the 3!!!!Just sign Stoudamire and let him get healthy and reep the benefits!!!!

[Manufan909]

Salim is reasonably out of the running, thank god. If Tolliver AND Stoud made it, I would go on a rampage, GTA style. IMO Hairston should get a spot, but I can't pick if it comes to between him and Farmer.

[Obstructed_View]

Salim just loses his contract if he gets cut. It doesn't mean he can't come back and sign later when he's healthy if he really wants to be here that bad. He'd probably be smart to sign with whoever will take him on, though.

[Manufan909]

Why do you say that?

[SenorSpur]

I personally preferred Hairston.

Anyways, best of luck to Salim.

+2

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I personally preferred Hairston.

Anyways, best of luck to Salim.

+3

[The Truth #6]

It's bad for him but probably for the best for the team. If Vaughn remains, then we don't need a fourth point guard sized player on the team. We need help at the wings so I would like to see one of Farmer or Hairston make the team.

Actually I'd prefer to see Bonner and Vaughn traded for money/picks so we can get Salim, Farmer, Hairston, and Tolliver but that's of course impossible.

[ElNono]

cut his ass...

[TheProfessor]

Have to agree on keeping Hairston. I don't see the point of having the Toros if we aren't developing talent down there consistently...

[SenorSpur]

I don't want to them to jettison Hairston before he realizes his potential. After all, he so much more of a better all-around player, with far greater upside.

If the Spurs continue to struggle with scoring, even after Manu returns, and if Stoudamire is still on the street, I'm sure Pop will take another look at it.

For now, cutting him is the best move.

[Fermixalot]

what is the roster situation? What are the FO's options without cutting Vaughn or trading Bonner? (both of which are unlikely at this point)

[Solid D]

I don't want to them to jettison Hairston before he realizes his potential. After all, he so much more of a better all-around player, with far greater upside.

If the Spurs continue to struggle with scoring, even after Manu returns, and if Stoudamire is still on the street, I'm sure Pop will take another look at it.

For now, cutting him is the best move.

Too late for Stoudamire, this time. Bad break for him. For pure scoring, one-dimension, Farmer seems to be the best so far. For all-around play, Hairston seems to be the best of the 3 wings fighting for a spot. He's rebounding, blocking shots, scoring a bit. I haven't seen enough from them on defense to compare effectively. Tolliver is the best of the Bigs
fighting for a slot.

[Spurs Brazil]

Too bad for Salim.

I don't think he's be the best option but I'd like to see him play

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I personally preferred Hairston.

Anyways, best of luck to Salim.

+ 45,000,000