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Kelenna still a Warrior

by Gino20 on Jul 24, 2008 4:25 PM CDT

from espn:

Kelenna Azubuike will return to the Golden State Warriors after the club matched the Los Angeles Clippers' three-year, $9 million contract offer for the shooting guard on Thursday.

Azubuike averaged 8.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 81 games last season with the Warriors, who signed the former Kentucky guard out of the NBA Developmental League in January 2007. He started 17 games for Golden State, and he should see more playing time next season after Baron Davis' departure for the Clippers, Mickael Pietrus' signing with Orlando and Monta Ellis' expected move to point guard.

"We are pleased to have Kelenna back in the fold," said Chris Mullin, the Warriors' top basketball executive. "He's a young and talented player who has continued to improve during his two seasons with our team. His versatility, athleticism and ability to shoot the 3-pointer certainly fit our style of play."

Azubuike, a restricted free agent, signed the offer sheet with the Clippers last Friday, giving Golden State seven days to match it. The Warriors, who earlier signed high-scoring free agent swingman Corey Maggette from the Clippers, also signed forward Ronny Turiaf away from the Lakers last week with a similar offer-sheet deal.

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Well, I have to say in hindsight that our front office may have been smart in not going after Azubuike because I think we would have had to overpay to get him.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 24, 2008 4:38 PM CDT reply actions

I think you are right about this, ATS. In fact, I’m trying to remember the last time the Spurs went after a restricted free agent at all and I can’t think of one. Does anyone remember? Was Derek Anderson restricted?

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley

by spurchief on Jul 24, 2008 5:01 PM CDT reply actions

I think DA was unrestricted. It is definitely risky to go after a restricted free agent. Having your money tied up for a week while other free agents are swooped up can be a killer. I can’t remember the last time the Spurs actually went after a restricted free agent.

I will be surprised if the Spurs get any other moderately known active players out of free agency. If they do sign someone it will probably be a summer leaguer, or maybe a marginal unrestricted player (like Diawara or Linton Johnson).

But hey, two hotheaded but talented wing players are still unsigned. Both Bonzi Wells and Ricky Davis are available. They are as much anti-Spurs as J.R. Smith, but they are a bit older.

by VWolf on Jul 24, 2008 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Elson was actually restricted when we signed him.

i hope vujacic gets hit by a truck hauling stray cats that claw his eyes out before using his skull as a brood den.--kalone

by JamesR on Jul 24, 2008 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions

So was the Gentleman known as Mr. Jackie Butler.

by r21x on Jul 25, 2008 1:55 AM CDT up reply actions

...with both of those examples proving that “restricted” does not necessarily mean “wanted”. Elson had not playing time in Denver (who were capped out anyway) and Butler was in the exact same situation with the Knicks. Warriors had a ton of cap room after losing BD. I think the FO decided they had little chance of getting him (Azubuike) and focused on Mason instead.

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." – Aldous Huxley

by spurchief on Jul 25, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions