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The Spurs have signed Patricio Garino to a two-year, partially-guaranteed deal, the team announced. Garino is an undrafted free agent out of George Washington. With this signing the roster now has 17 players.
Garino, 23, played four years of college basketball after leaving his native Argentina. In his last season with the Colonials he won the NIT and made the All-Tournament team. Garino finished his college career with averages of 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. He made the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive team three times and in his last year made the second team All-Atlantic 10.
While the numbers and the individual accolades don't sound too impressive, Garino could prove to be a good, underrated signing. In the Orlando Summer League he averaged 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals per game and proved that the 43 percent he shot in his senior year was not a fluke by connecting on 38 percent of his field goals from beyond the arc.
Garino has all the makings of a 3-and-D player. At 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan and a developed frame, he can guard both wing positions. He's not an explosive athlete but he can get off the ground and while he at times look awkward when he runs, he manages to be on the right place at the right time more often than not. He's also mature for his age, having left his home to attend the Montverde Academy before college. As a member of the Argentine national team that will play in the Rio Olympics, Garino will have the opportunity to go against a level of competition not many undrafted rookies get to face, which could help his development.
Garino's contract suggests that he's a camp player at this point. He will have the chance to earn a permanent spot but if he can't, the Spurs will be able to allocate him to their D-League affiliate in Austin. San Antonio has plenty of wings but if Garino shows he can hit three-pointers and defend NBA-caliber athletes, he might beat Ryan Arcidiacono and Bryn Forbes and earn the 15th spot.
Hat tip to Big50, who first posted a fanshot about the signing.