August 16, 2007

Spurs: Free-agent small forward joins team

Staff and wire report

The Spurs signed free agent swingman Ime Udoka on Thursday.

The deal was expected to be for two years for $2 million.

Udoka, who was undrafted out of Portland State, averaged 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 75 games with the Portland Trail Blazers last season.

He is expected to back up Spurs small forward Bruce Bowen, whose game is similar to his.

Udoka ranked 19th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, making 89 of 219 attempts. Bowen made 89 of 232 3-point attempts last season.

Like Udoka, Bowen was undrafted out of college (Cal State Fullerton). Bowen also spent the early part of his professional career playing in leagues outside of the NBA.

Udoka played in the NBA Development League and internationally before spending one season each with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. He returned to his hometown of Portland for the 2006-07 season.