What should we make of the Spurs signing SG/SF Ime Udoka (pronounced EE-may you-DOE-kuh)?
Blazers fans aren’t happy about it. Spurs fans are generally pleased.
It wasn’t an impulse buy — RC Buford called Udoka’s agent as soon as NBA rules allowed, so you know it was in the works for awhile. (I know, I know, like the Spurs ever make impulse buys.)
Udoka’s work ethic and defensive abilities have drawn comparisons to Bruce Bowen, which Udoka appreciates.
“[Bowen] keeps the game simple and is known as one of best perimeter defenders,” Udoka said. “That’s what I am: a hard worker who takes challenges against the top scorers. That’s what I did every night in Portland.”
“I just want to come in and work hard and learn from great teammates like Bruce. I understand defense is a team thing, and they’re one of top defensive teams in the league. It has been an honor to be compared with great defenders like Bruce and Mario Elie. I definitely don’t try to be something I’m not.”
“Overall,” Udoka said, “I think I have a style of play that I can come in and fit well with what they do. I’m not a young guy, but a guy who started every game (last season), and now can come off the bench and, hopefully there is not a dropoff.
“I’m a thinking player, so I think I can pick up their system. I can defend and shoot the ball. It was a privilege for them to contact me the first day of free agency. It showed they really were interested in me.”
And our friend, Matthew Powell, likes the acquisition, but raises an important question: have the Spurs improved?
How could you not approve of paying a little over $2 million for two years of service for a guy that can hit the corner three (40.6% last year from three) and, if you believe the general consensus, defend.
While the signing of Udoka makes the Spurs better than they were a week ago, it falls short of satisfying what should be every team’s goal every off season: improve from June to June.
