Stoudamire expected to bolster Spurs backcourt

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Tony Mejia
CBSSports.com Staff Writer


Damon Stoudamire has begun talks with the defending champion San Antonio Spurs and is expected to choose them over other suitors after he clears waivers on Wednesday night, multiple sources have told CBSSports.com.

Once Stoudamire agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, it was expected that his choice of contenders would be limited to Boston and Phoenix, but the Spurs emerged as a major player amid Gregg Popovich's decision to shut down Tony Parker for the foreseeable future.


Damon Stoudamire could leapfrog Jacque Vaughn on the San Antonio depth chart. (Getty Images)
Parker, suffering from a bone spur in his left heel, was told that he'd be sidelined indefinitely despite his desire to play. Despite its first three-game losing streak since the end of the 2006-07 regular season, San Antonio is refusing to sacrifice its postseason aspirations by allowing the reigning NBA Finals MVP to continue to put himself at risk.

In flirting with Stoudamire, a 13-year veteran, the Spurs appear serious about making sure Parker makes a full recovery before allowing him to return to the court. Parker has been trying to play through the ailment, which causes the ligaments attached to his heel to swell and become irritated by the pounding on the soft tissue below the heel. San Antonio is two games into its annual rodeo trip and won't be back to play a game at the AT&T Center until Feb. 19, two days after the All-Star Game. Parker isn't expected to be named one of the reserves for the Western Conference squad, so it's likely the French superstar will be out of action for three weeks.

That's where Stoudamire comes in. He hasn't participated since Dec. 30, essentially deactivated by the Grizzlies to avoid paying a clause in his contract tied to playing time, expediting his exit out of Memphis. All he wants to do is play. Because he'd have to share minutes with Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa in Phoenix, the thought is that Stoudamire is keen on joining the Spurs with the understanding that he'd supplant Jacque Vaughn as the team's starter in the interim and the backup to Parker down the road.

Boston, thought to be another potential destination, has playing time available behind second-year guard Rajon Rondo, but is thought to be looking for a bigger frame on its backup than the 5-foot-10 Stoudamire would provide.

While Stoudamire does have ties to Arizona, having gone to school in Tucson and being tight with new Suns GM Steve Kerr, expect him to be on the opposite side when the Spurs visit Phoenix on Thursday night. Ironically, Stoudamire's last game came in a 111-87 loss at San Antonio.

The 1996 Rookie of the Year has played in 29 games this season, averaging 7.3 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point range, his best clip since his first season in the league.

http://www.sportsline.com/print/nba/story/10609368

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Below is the transcript of Don Shane’s one-on-one interview with Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, who’s been the subject of speculation regarding a possible trade that could send him to Detroit to play with the Pistons.

Stoudemire, a 26 year-old power forward, averages 20.9 points per game and is signed through the 2010 season, with a player-option for the 2010-2011 season. He has played with the Suns for the duration of his seven-year career, which began in 2002.

He missed all but three games in 2005-06 due to a knee injury.


Don Shane: All the rumors going around, one of them has you coming here to Detroit. Would you want to come here and play in Detroit?

Amare Stoudemire: I love Detroit. It’s a beautiful city, the fans are phenomenal, but you never know what’s gonna happen. You know, it’s really out of my hands right now and what I’m focused on is the game tonight.

Don Shane: But it’s clear in your mind that you don’t want to be back in Phoenix anymore?

Amare Stoudemire: No, it has nothing to do with me. I would love to be in Phoenix.

Don Shane: What does it have to do with?

Amare Stoudemire: I think financial problems with the organization. Right now they’re trying to figure it out. My job is to bring my A-game every night so I’m focused on the game with Detroit.

Don Shane: Do you think something could happen quickly?

Amare Stoudemire: I’m not sure. I’m really not sure. I think they’re trying to figure something out, but I’m not sure how fast it’s gonna work, when it’s gonna work or if it’s gonna even work, so, like I said, my job is to come out and play as hard as I can and try to get this win tonight.

Don Shane: How much would you enjoy coming to play for Joe Dumars and an organization that has such a good reputation?

Amare Stoudemire: It would be phenomenal. I think the fans here have been probably the top fans in the world since I’ve been in the NBA. They’re always cheering their team on and every time we come here, their always loud and rowdy, so it would be fun to play here.

Don Shane: A lot of times guys aren’t willing to talk about stuff like this, but you are. How come?

Amare Stoudemire: Well I’m just open. I’m always eager to bring in more fans and my fans voted me to be a starter in the All-Star Game so it’s always great to give back to them and let them know I appreciate them.

Stoudemire: "It Would Be Phenomenal" To Play in Detroit || WXYZ.com | WXYZ-TV / Detroit | Detroit News, Weather, Sports and More