Stoudamire Hopes To Get Out Of Grizzlies
August 21, 2007 by Angelo Fernandez
Filed under NBA Basketball
Damon Stoudamire is entering his 13th NBA season and in spite of injuries that sidelined him last year he feels healthy as ever and wants to make a good contribution to an NBA team. When he signed up with the Memphis Grizzlies, that’s exactly what his plan was. But the situation in Memphis has changed. The team has a new look, rejuvenated by new young faces and even a new coach.
The arrival of 4th overall pick Mike Conley Jr. (the top point guard selected) together with their first round pick from the year before Kyle Lowry has changed the situation for Stoudamire. Instead of being THE man at the point, it seems like Stoudamire will be forced to take the mentoring role for the two young play makers. This isn’t what he signed up for and that’s why he hopes he can leave the team and play for a team where he really can contribute.
“I’m going to keep my fingers crossed (about being moved) but I’m not going to make any demands or nothing,” he said.
“Anybody who’s been in my position knows. You see the writing on the wall so I’m hoping at the end of the day we can work something out.”
If ever the team lets him go, I’m guessing it will have to be through a contract buyout. If this happens I know a team that I think would love to have him because of him talent and veteran presence – the Boston Celtics. They need a veteran point guard who can help the pressure off Rajon Rondo. While Eddie House can do the job, they need a true play maker who can distribute the ball to the big three. House is more of an undersized shooting guard with some play making skills. They let Brevin Knight get away but if Stoudamire becomes available I think he’d be a great fit for the Celtics.
Stoudamire would be a great fit for the C’s as Rondo may not be ready to run a team all by his lonesome. Plus, Stoudamire is at a point in his career where he is no longer needed to be one of the ‘top guys’, perhaps he could find a new start – after some injury-plagued seasons – on a suddenly-contending Boston.
Todd
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