Spurs Sign Former Texas Player Damion James to 10-Day Contract
In the midst of a 19-game winning streak, the San Antonio Spurs have officially signed Longhorn Damion James to a 10-Day contract.
James will be available for tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and is expected to suit up. Tonight’s game comes on the second night of a back to back, and the Spurs’ fifth game in seven nights, thus leading many to speculate James’ signing means the Spurs will likely rest players as they enter the stretch run.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is notorious for resting players on the second night of back to backs, particularly players belonging to the successful triumvirate of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. So, it is reasonable to suspect James could get some run with the Spurs, who currently sport the best record in the NBA.
A 6-foot-7 small forward, James played four seasons with the Longhorns and averaged 18.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game his senior year.
The Atlanta Hawks drafted James with the 24th pick of the NBA draft before he was traded to the New Jersey Nets. Injuries plagued James’ first two seasons in the NBA, and he played in only 32 games.
Since, James has been in what is deemed basketball purgatory, sharing time between the NBA Development League and short, 10-day contracts with NBA teams. After being waived by the Denver Nuggets in September, James returned to the D-League.
Before signing with the Spurs, James averaged 16.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game with Dallas Mavericks affiliate Texas Legends.
