Damion James earned fans at the University of Texas with his high motor and willingness to create contact. But in the NBA, he’s been a bit of a flop.
The Nets drafted James No. 24 overall in 2010 and kept him a few years. In 34 NBA games, James averaged 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds.
This season, James got a shot with the D-League’s Texas Legends, averaging 16.4 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Now, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound will reportedly get another crack at the NBA.
Marc Stein of ESPN reported it first and now the Spurs have confirmed it — they have signed James to a 10-day contract.
James would bring San Antonio’s roster to a full 15, and by the time his 10-day contract expires, it would be too late to sign another player to a 10-day deal. In other words, unless the Spurs cut James by Monday (and pay him the rest of his owed salary), he’s the last player they can audition before the playoffs.
If the Spurs like his play enough to pay him more, they’ll re-sign him for the rest of the season. If not, they could either enter the playoffs with just 14 players or sign someone else on a rest-of-season contract.
Gregg Popovich is probably looking to rest his good players, and the deep Spurs have plenty of those. That means James, who grew up in Nacogdoches, could have a chance to get on the court and prove himself.
