Per text message from the team...
Trail Blazers sign Ime Udoka. Terms of the deal not disclosed.
Here's a press release from the team.
Trail Blazers Sign Ime Udoka
Portland native played 2006-07 season with Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Trail Blazers have signed forward Ime Udoka, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We're really excited about having Ime back," said Pritchard. "He played a key role in our resurgence and we look forward to adding a player of his talent, character and experience to what is shaping up to be a very competitive camp roster."
Udoka (6-5, 220), a five-year NBA veteran, has posted career averages of 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 20.4 minutes in 227 games (78 starts) with the L.A. Lakers, New York, Portland and San Antonio.
The 32-year-old saw action in 67 games, including three starts, with San Antonio in 2008-09. He averaged 4.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 15.4 minutes.
As a Trail Blazer in 2006-07, Udoka experienced his best season as a professional, notching career highs of 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 28.6 minutes in 75 games (all starts). His .461 field goal percentage and .406 three-point percentage also marked career bests.
A Portland native and Jefferson High School graduate, Udoka played his senior season and graduated from Portland State University in 2000.
Trail Blazers training camp tips off on Tuesday, September 29.
From the wording of Pritchard's statement it sounds like Udoka's deal is non-guaranteed and simply for camp.
Strange that this would warrant a full Press Release. However, Ime is a local legend and currently runs a successful AAU team in Portland. He has mentored Mike Moser, who is entering his freshman season at UCLA, and Nigel Williams-Goss, a highly-regarded high school prospect.
Update: Joe Freeman confirms that the deal is non-guaranteed.
Ime Udoka, who became a fan favorite during the 2006-07 season when he surprisingly ascended from an NBA Development League player to NBA starter, was invited to to compete for for the Blazer's 15th and final roster spot. He has a non-guaranteed training camp contract.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)