A few days ago, ESPN’s Chris Sheridan put former Spurs guard Antonio Daniels on his All-Stackhouse team of players that currently have no NBA home.
A little more than a week ago, it looked close to a done deal for the 12-year veteran to join the Cavs. But with Cleveland already in luxury tax territory, and while the Jackson trade talks were still alive, the decision was made that in a buyer’s market, it was best to keep the team’s options open.
Daniels, who also drew interest from Memphis before Tinsley signed with the Grizzlies on Saturday, is now hoping to rejoin San Antonio — the franchise he won a title with in 1999.
“There is interest, but there is no urgency,” said Daniels’ agent, Tony Dutt. “This is, by far, the strangest year I’ve ever seen for guys getting opportunities.”
There are also a few other teams intersted in Daniels’ services, but I’ve talked about the possibility of the Spurs signing him on the Spurscast a few times, and I still think San Antonio would be a good destination for him.
Known in San Antonio for balking at the idea of playing point guard, at some point in his career, likely playing for the Sonics, he learned to transition himself into a true point guard. Daniels has long been considered one of the best backup point guards in the league, especially after his time in Washington and playing major minutes in the playoffs with Gilbert Arenas out.
The 6-4 Daniels would have to be willing to accept a role as the third point guard on the team in order for a return to what is still his offseason home.
Daniels could easily fit into the role of the steady, savvy vet to come in if either Parker or Hill are struggling. He would be nice insurance if either of those players were to be injured and I think he’d be a great mentor to George Hill just like Avery Johnson was his mentor while in San Antonio.
He’s an adequate defender, and offesnsively he is best at driving into the paint for layups or dunks. As far as taking care of the ball and dishing it, he had one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the league while with the Wizards.
Daniels’ signing would mean either Marcus Haislip or Malik Hairston being sent down to Austin to make space on the roster. Right now though, with Jameer Nelson injured, it appears that Orlando might be the most likely destination for the 12-year journeyman.
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