Back again: Spurs assign Cory Joseph to Austin Toros

Jan 25, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph (5) shoots during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the AT

The Spurs assigned point guard Cory Joseph to the Austin Toros for the second time this season.

The Spurs selection of Joseph with the 29th pick in the NBA Draft was met with a lot of skepticism from draft pundits. In his only year at Texas, Joseph averaged 10.4 points and 3.0 assists. Joseph showed that he had the defensive chops to hang in against most college point guards and that skill set is inherently valuable in the NBA.

The knock on him, however, was that he was extremely raw and needed a lot more development at the college level. Some analysts thought he would be lucky to be drafted.

So when the Spurs reached for him in the first round, it came as a huge surprise even though George Hill was no longer on the team. Predictably, Joseph wasn’t able to succeed in his first year under the tutelage of coach Gregg Popovich.

The Spurs offense is notorious for their impeccable ball movement and floor spacing. Even more established players like Richard Jefferson have struggled in their transition.

Joseph — 8.1 minutes per game, 1.8 points, 1.2 assists, .347 FG% — hasn’t flourished. He needs the time to develop and his (hopefully) extended stint with the Toros leads to a more confident, polished player. Today he poured in 12 points on 5-9 shooting and two assists against the Texas Legends.

With the move, the Spurs roster is cut to 12 which could allow the front office to call up someone internally (Eric Dawson and Malcolm Thomas), wait for teams to buy out unwanted players or venture into the trade market.

Some notable names include Boris Diaw, Chris Kaman and Emeka Okafor.