Report: Spurs Express Interest In Monta Ellis, Greg Oden

By John Diaz
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Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Monta Ellis (11) drives with the basketball as Miami Heat guard Norris Cole (30) and forward Rashard Lewis (9) defend during the second quarter of game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Ugh.

According to a report from Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the San Antonio Spurs were one of the multiple teams that contacted free agent Monta Ellis at 12:01 PM EST last night.

From the report:

The Bulls, Spurs, Nuggets and Suns also are among the teams who expressed interest in Ellis as the free-agent negotiating period began Monday at 12:01 a.m. ET, league sources said.

The Spurs could definitely use Ellis, with his ability to create his own shot and get to the rim, but he’s been such a poor three-point shooter, and he is a liability on defense. Not to mention, Ellis comes across as the ultimate Anti-Spur. Via NBA writer, Fred Katz:

664 players in the history of the NBA have attempted 300 threes in a season. Monta Ellis had the 657th best percentage this past season.

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 1, 2013

Also reported today, the Spurs are one of the eight teams that have expressed interest in Greg Oden, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo.

Oden, 25,has received interest from the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies, league sources said. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft hasn’t played since Dec. 5, 2009, because of multiple knee injuries.

Oden would be a great pick up for the Spurs, especially if he comes in cheaply, which would make him the ultimate low risk-high reward. And to top it off, San Antonio’s most recent draft pick, DeShaun Thomas, had this to say on Greg Oden’s recovery back in May. Via Bob Finnan of The News-Herald:

Former Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas said he’s been working out with ex-Portland center Greg Oden.

“Man, he looks unbelievable,” he said at the draft combine. “He’s running. He’s lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he’s ready to go. He’s running, getting in shape. I’ll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that’s all he does, running and getting in shape. He’s looking right.”

It’s obvious with the rumors that free agency is in full swing, not only for the Spurs, but the rest of the NBA. So what do you think, Spurs fans? Do you like the idea of signing Monta Ellis or taking a chance on Greg Oden?

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