San Antonio Spurs WiretapUdrih Draws Interest, But Likely Won't Be Dealt
While the Spurs aren't looking to dump Udrih — coach Gregg Popovich called him a "great insurance policy" — they would trade him in the right deal. The team has looked at contingency plans to obtain another point guard should Udrih be moved. Atlanta, which is trying to obtain a veteran point guard in a separate deal, spoke to the Spurs about swapping Royal Ivey for a second-round pick. One official said there is a scenario where the Spurs would have interest in acquiring the former Texas Longhorn, but called such a trade "unlikely." The Spurs also continue to explore trade opportunities for Jackie Butler. Philadelphia executive Larry Brown, who coached Butler in New York last season and recommended him to the Spurs, has again shown interest in the young center. The 76ers seemed willing to do a trade if they also could get a draft pick, but the Spurs didn't like the contract Philadelphia was offering (possibly Kevin Ollie's) in return. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Bowen's Back Worries Popovich
Bowen has had some soreness in his back that's limited his practice time, but he has yet to miss a game. After ranking among the NBA's leaders in 3-point accuracy for much of the season, Bowen had made nine of his 46 attempts in the 14 games before Tuesday. "In my opinion, Bruce is injured," Popovich said. "It's probably bothering him more than he's willing to admit because he is a competitor and he wants to continue playing. "We're going ahead and giving him the benefit of the doubt that he's better off physically than I think he is. We just see where it goes." Bowen, who scored nine points in Tuesday's victory, said he feels fine. "Everybody plays through some sort of aches and pains," Bowen said. "I wasn't playing well and now I'm trying to make a conscious effort on improving. Sometimes all it takes is a layup to get you going." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Spurs Finalize Ely Deal
Ely, a 6-10 forward/center, is in his fifth NBA season. He has appeared in 24 games for Charlotte this season and is averaging 2.9 points and 1.6 rebounds in 10.2 minutes a game. Ely enjoyed his finest NBA season last year when he averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 23.6 minutes in 57 games while shooting .508 (216-425) for the Bobcats. For his career Ely has appeared in 254 games for Charlotte and the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game. The 28-year old was originally the 12th overall selection in the 2002 NBA Draft. Fans can try their own trades ahead of the February 22 trade deadline via RealGM's Trade Checker, which is still going strong since 2000. Do you have a move to improve your team? San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Bobcats Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Spurs Feb 2007 Archive
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