Kelenna Azubuike | SG
Born: Dec 16, 1983
Height: 6-5 / 1,96
Weight: 220 lbs. / 99,8 kg.
College: Kentucky
Years Pro: 1
Info
Bit of a long shot, but maybe Golden State doesn't want to commit long-term.
He would definitely help to decrease the scoring droughts that occur *when Manu is the primary scoring option with Tim and Tony both on the bench. He has a ton of upside, but for this very reason I don't think GS lets him go...Barnes on the other hand....
*EDIT: When Manu is the ONLY legit scoring option and ALL of the offense is being funnelled through him with TD and TP both on the bench.
agreeed on the ton of upside, i think hes a great long term project and im not convinced hes ready to contribute.
I was actually impressed by his range in the few games I saw of Golden State's this past season. He's got a tamed "shoot first" mentality and seems to be pretty coachable.
A solid choice. He's not likely to hurt your team in any way, nor will he light the world on fire. Good shooter, great rebounder for size.
I actually disagree with both of those assessments. I think he's a solid NBA player now, and NOT a project, but I think he's near or at his ceiling now. WYSIWYG.
thats fair, i havent seen him enough to provide a accurate analysis.
He can play better defense (and who can't on Golden State) but he would do a good job slashing, drawing fouls, and helping relieve Manu of his scoring duties (i.e. reducing scoring droughts). I think Pop could make him a more consistent defender if he were to stay on top of him like he did Tony early in TP's career. This might still be wishful thinking though, as I doubt the Warriors relinquish hold of him.
He's athletic for sure but I'm not sold on his scoring ability.
Any concern with his (lack of) height? I heard he's about 6' 3 1/2".
His jumpshot is likely to only get better, and he actually has a mid-range game which is something this team lacks outside of Tony and Manu. 10-15 points should help spell Manu and TP and hold off the dreaded Scring Drought the Spurs often run into when that point range is all they need to stay afloat until guys' jumpers start falling again.
Yeah, I don't think they're in cap/tax like Denver is. He'd be tough to pry away from them.
Agreed.
He's a guy that if you give him 30 minutes a game, he'll give you 12 points and 5 boards while shooting about 45% from the field. He's not a great isolation scorer but he'd be someone who'd get out and run and hit the open jumpers. He'd be a fantastic Michael Finley replacement.
The problem is getting him out of Golden State. They have cap trouble but they'll likely be able to keep one of Azubuike, Barnes and Petrius. Nellie clashed with Barnes last year so Barnes is out. The Warriors have avoided giving Petrius a contract for a long time so I'm guessing they will finally let him walk this summer. That leaves Azubuike as the one they'll retain.
I think the way to get him out would be to give him a three-year contract with a third year team option (~ 3-year, $17.8M). Front load that contract so the Warriors have to pay him mostly upfront. With all the other contracts the Warriors have to hand out this summer, they may let Azubuike walk.
It's a little risky because that'd be every penny of the MLE and the Warriors could draw it out and make the Spurs lose out on fallback options -- not to mention that's a lot of money to be throwing at a relatively unproven player -- but I'd be all for this type of tactic this summer. All the Spurs need is one solid perimeter athlete and they're right back in the mix of things.
That's a lot more than he's worth, but it might be necessary.
I don't see GSW letting him go. If the Spurs throw all the money they can at him, maybe, but it'd be surprising to see the Spurs do that.
1st target: JR
2nd target: Kelenna
If Golden State resigns Baron Davis, they might not have enough for KA. Then we can swoop in.
Which is why I'd rather have Pietrus.
Baron's not a free agent, unless he exercises his player option, which would be about the dumbest thing he could do (he's owed $17.2 million for 2008-2009).If Golden State resigns Baron Davis, they might not have enough for KA. Then we can swoop in.
Long discussion on him already here:
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97768
And here's my breakdown of GS's salary situation from that thread:
exactly I only want the Spurs signing players 6'6 and above (PG only exception)
I know size doesn't mean everything in the NBA but the Spurs need tall , long players that can rebound and score
I rather have CJ Miles.
He is younger and could come a lot cheaper.
I know Miles is not a very exciting "name," but he has improved quite a bit throughout his years in Utah.
He came fresh out of higschool, and the kid can flat out shoot.
Plus, he has improved his defense, and comes from a "tough" team, and an even "tougher" coach who preaches defense.
If the Spurs draft a wing that can contribute quickly, I'd rather they split the MLE. But if not, Buike is a good fit.
Cuz' 6'6"+ shooting guards who can rebound and score that will sign for the MLE grow on trees...
CJ Miles sucks. Let me guess, you're a longhorn fan....
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