The Oregonian is reporting that largely unproven, but promising 6-foot-5, 220-pound small forward Ime Udoka is leaving Portland for a two-year deal with the champion Spurs.
If you're a hardcore hoops fan and Udoka's name rings a bell, that's because he was a stud for the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBDL in 2005-06. He was chosen by D-league head coaches as a 2005-06 All-NBA D-League first team selection and was named the winner of the 2005-06 Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award.
He turned 30 last week.
Entering his fourth NBA season, Udoka, an Oregon native, has had an interesting rise through the D-League to starting all 75 games he played last season with the Trail Blazers, averaging 8.4 points and 3.7 rebounds.
His agent told the newspaper that the Mavs, Boston, Miami, Memphis and Cleveland all had interest, with the Celtics, after trading for KG, making the biggest push. But, it was the Spurs who got him. His credentials, good long-range shooter, excellent defender and tireless worker, seem to fit the Spurs' requirements.
-- Jeff
Good pu for the Spurs! Udoka can shoot and defend, perfect fit for my Spurs!
Posted by: Mike S | August 14, 2007 at 07:59 AM