Reports: Spurs signing JaMychal Green, waiving Austin Daye

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If the San Antonio Spurs repeat, it won’t be with the exact same 14 players from last season. Yahoo’s Marc Spears reports San Antonio is poised to sign Austin Spurs forward JaMychal Green to a 10-day contract. Green has spent the two of the last three Summer Leagues and this year’s training camp with the Spurs. To make room for Green, Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Spurs will waive Austin Daye.

Currently, Green is playing for Austin in the NBA D-League Showcase in Santa Cruz, CA, an annual event where every D-League team gets together for NBA executives and scouts to get a look at prospects. Green has been a monster in the D-League this season, averaging 23 ppg and 10.5 rpg and even earned December’s D-League Player of the Month honors. He’s been with the Spurs/Toros for the last two seasons and has improved in every category from last season. He’s nearly doubled his point output from last season, added a couple of rebounds per game and has even shown an ability to step outside and take a jumper. He’s shooting 36 percent from 3, but takes less than one a game. Overall, as Spears noted in his piece, Green improved his overall offensive game this offseason by working with Spurs assistant Chip Engelland. Here’s a look at his shot chart from this season, which shows average to above range from most spots on the court.

Courtesy: NBADLeague.com

Before we get carried away, this is reportedly a 10-day contract and will make Green the Spurs 15th man. He likely won’t even dress most games as he’s still playing behind Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter, Boris Diaw, Matt Bonner, Aron Baynes and Jeff Ayres. Having watched Green the last three Summer Leagues (two for San Antonio, one for the Clippers), at the time his game reminded me of Jeff Ayres. He was a monster on the glass despite being a bit undersized and he always showed a ton of hustle and energy. However, this season he’s shown a much improved range on his jump shot and all-around skill. Here’s an example of that improvement in a recent game against the Santa Cruz Warriors.

As for Daye, he’s never shown that promise he had coming out of Gonzaga and his time with the Spurs was never really that different, despite a recent 22 point outburst. He’s just a little too slight to play the stretch 4 and a little too slow to defend small forwards, not to mention he never developed a consistent 3-point shot.

  • Ryan McShane

    This move looks like a signal to an open spot for a Ray Allen or a Tayshaun Prince type of player. Let the rumors begin!

  • GillyTooTall

    Daye looked completely lost and over whelmed in his final two games vs the Hornets and Wiz. I was starting to have flash backs to RJ. Seemed like a nice guy but it was painful to watch and his time was up.

    And I could do without Ray Ray. Obviously a great shooter but I’ve never been a fan of his on the court. Too many memories of him and Bruce going at it plus the game 6 dagger. Reminds me of the Fisher rumors a few years back. Some guys just aren’t meant to be a Spur.

    Let’s see what JMG can do!

  • Bob

    We need depth at SF and we sign a PF?

  • Eric Molt

    Was Really hoping that Austin Daye would work out for us. Really sad to see him go. Hope he gets a real chance somewhere to play. Good luck Austin!

  • DorieStreet

    You don’t feel that Pop gave Daye legitimate playing time this season to show improvement/
    make an impact?

  • DorieStreet

    Half of the west contenders were made moves this season to improve their squad. Spurs could not just stand pat.
    Here’s hoping Green shows something to remain an NBA Spur, if not this season, then for 2015-16 when the team might have roster spots become available.

  • WSSNW

    First thing I noticed about Green was his rebounding awareness. He vehicle leap is amazing and he knows when to box out and when to go for the rebound. I do wonder what his natural position is. His outside game has developed enough for him to play SF but I don’t know if he can defend SF. I still rather have him than shoot first Daye.