Southwest Rumors: Azubuike, Carlisle, Diaw
The defending Southwest Division champs met the defending NBA champs tonight, with the first-place Spurs coming away with a 104-87 win, padding their lead as they seek a second straight division title. Here's more on two of the Southwest's top teams:
- Mavs owner Mark Cuban thinks his team's signing of Kelenna Azubuike will be a steal if his knee holds up, according to Mavs.com writer Earl K. Sneed. Cuban isn't sure if Azubuike will help the team this year, but has his eyes on the future, calling the team option for the second year "pretty much a lock" to be exercised (All Twitter links).
- Mavs coach Rick Carlisle didn't respond to questions about his future when asked about his contract, which expires at the end of the year, on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM’s Galloway and Company. While Mavs GM Donnie Nelson indicated that the team intends to retain the coach, Tim McMahon of ESPN Dallas cites rumors linking Carlisle to the Blazers and suggests the Knicks and Clippers as possible destinations.
- The recent moves the Spurs have made aren't surprising to Carlisle, who's particularly intrigued by the acquisition of Patrick Mills and Boris Diaw, Tim Griffin of the Express-News writes.
- Diaw had to wait a week to sign with the Spurs because of visa issues, but he's been waiting much longer to fulfill his childhood dream of playing with fellow frenchman Tony Parker, according to Griffin. Diaw is Parker's best friend in the NBA, but the point guard didn't push the team to sign his buddy.
- ESPN's Marc Stein spoke with new Spur Stephen Jackson, who shared some revelations about his time with the Bucks and says he "never should have left" San Antonio after 2003.
Mavericks Sign Kelenna Azubuike
The Mavericks have officially signed Kelenna Azubuike, the team announced today in a press release. Azubuike will receive a minimum-salary contract for the rest of this season, with a team option for next year.
Azubuike, 28, is attempting a comeback after having not played in an NBA game since November 2009. He underwent patella surgery in 2009, and attempted to play last season with the Knicks, but never fully recovered and required additional surgery. The Mavs are intrigued enough by his rehab that they'll take a minimum-salary flier on him and start him out at their D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
In 205 career games over four seasons for the Warriors, Azubuike averaged 10.6 PPG and 4.0 RPG in 24.4 MPG. He'll take Sean Williams' place on the Mavericks' roster, after Williams was waived by the team.
Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News first reported the Mavs were closing in on Azubuike, with ESPN.com's Marc Stein adding details.
Mavericks Close To Signing Kelenna Azubuike
9:23am: If he passes his physical, Azubuike will sign a minimum-salary contract for the rest of this season and will receive a team option for next season, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. The initial plan is for Azubuike to join the Mavs' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
9:08am: The Mavericks are closing in on a deal with Kelenna Azubuike, according to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News. Azubuike will need to pass a physical, which as Sefko points out, is no sure thing, given the 28-year-old's multiple surgeries in recent seasons.
Azubuike played four seasons with the Warriors, but has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2009/2010 season. In 205 career games in Golden State, the 6'5" shooting guard averaged 10.6 PPG and 4.0 RPG in 24.4 MPG.
The Mavericks waived Sean Williams yesterday, so if they finalize a deal with Azubuike, they have an open roster spot.