The San Antonio Spurs seem to have shifted their attention from free agents to their own personnel after losing coaches Don Newman and Jacque Vaughn, and Assistant GM Dennis Lindsey this offseason.
While they were busy trying to fill the latter with a meeting with Scott Layden last night, the Spurs have just announced the hiring of former Spur Ime Udoka, who will hang up his sneakers in favor of a clipboard.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich seems optimistic and mentioned potential when speaking of Udoka becoming a coach.
“Ime Udoka possesses an outstanding work ethic as well as a natural inclination to teach. We are excited to add someone with his potential to our coaching staff,” Popovich said in a press release issued by the Spurs.
Udoka, who had two stints with the Spurs, with the most recent being during the 2010-2011 season. Udoka was originally signed by the Spurs because of his defensive prowess, especially after Bruce Bowen's departure.
Udoka could have a role similar to Newman's as a defensive coordinator coach that has become popular in the league.
The Spurs still have plenty of work ahead. If Layden is selected and accepts the job with the Spurs, they still could look to fill another void on the bench and work on trying to find a big man Spurs fans have been coveting over the years.
