Gold Star from Baron
Photo. University of MemphisAfter Darius Washington gave the Warriors 18 points, 9 boards and 8 assists and 3 steals last night, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Baron Davis made a point to seek out Darius after the game and give him props for playing a great game. “You’re pretty good,” Baron told the rookie, who’s currently fighting for a spot on the Spurs roster.
Most people remember Washington from his days at Memphis, when his freshman year ended in the heartbreaking scene of him laid out on the court after missing two huge free throws in the C-USA championship game. After leading Memphis to a #1 seed in the Big Dance as a sophomore, Darius left school early but wasn’t picked in the ’06 Draft. Since then he’s played overseas and has been on various summer-league and training camp rosters.
Late last year I happened to run into Darius in the Charlotte airport, as we were both on the same connecting flight to Memphis. He’d just been picked in the first round of the D-League draft, and was headed back to wrap up some business at school before going to Austin, Texas, for training camp. Darius was pumped to be starting his pro career and talked at length about why he chose the D-League over a bigger paycheck overseas. A week after we met, though, he’d signed with a team in Europe.
Darius also talked about whether he regretted leaving school early in Dime #29 for a “10 Sense” article:
“I don’t think I made a mistake by coming out. Some guys are 26, 28 years old trying to make it to the League. I’m only 20 years old. And let’s say I stayed in college four years: What if I don’t get drafted then? Are you gonna say I made a mistake then? I can’t go back for a fifth year. What, am I supposed to play for more years of college?”
Now in Spurs camp, Washington’s chances of making the team aren’t great, but were definitely helped by last night’s performance and the endorsement from Baron. He’s still young (he turns 22 in December) and with each passing opportunity seems to be getting closer to sticking in the NBA. Maybe it’s not with San Antonio this year, but I think you’ll see Darius in the League eventually.
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October 19th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
djKianoosh says:
I think there is a real possibility that he takes Beno’s spot. Udrih is forever in Pop’s doghouse. I’d trade him for a team needing a backup PG and make that spot for Darius. I’m sure you can get a future draft pick for Beno, and the Spurs seem to draft well, so more picks is more shots at great players. Beno is not contributing all that much on this team right now. I say go for it…
October 19th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
illfil27 says:
The Spurs can’t loose anything if they decide to give D-Wash a spot on their roster this year. He’s young, athletic and he’s very versatile on the court which he proved in yesterdays performance. In my opinion he also has the edge over Beno Udrih as it was posted above already. He might also be able to come off the bench to replace Tony Parker since I do believe that he is more talented than Jacque Vaughn for example. Also many players prove that they can elevate their game to the next level when only given the chance like Monta Ellis or Kevin Martin. Looking at the preseason stats only he’s also in a better position than the other guys fighting for a spot. But often it’s about guaranteed contracts who actually makes the team and that might Darius’ nemesis with the Spurs. I really hope he makes the NBA better this season than next because it has always been fun to watch him back in the days when he was playing for Edgewater. And let’s be honest he could do better than his longtime rival Bassy Telfair who hasn’t done anything great in the L yet.
October 20th, 2007 at 12:43 am
E-ROC says:
He should make the squad. Beno is in Pop’s doghouse and has been there for a longtime. Jacque Vaughn won’t be there for long. Plus, they’re rebuilding while winning championships.
October 20th, 2007 at 2:42 am
Meica says:
“I think there is a real possibility that he takes Beno’s spot. Udrih is forever in Pop’s doghouse. I’d trade him for a team needing a backup PG and make that spot for Darius. I’m sure you can get a future draft pick for Beno, and the Spurs seem to draft well, so more picks is more shots at great players. Beno is not contributing all that much on this team right now. I say go for it…”
this is actually brilliant. i hate the spurs, but this is brilliant. leave it to popavich to develop a player, you know what i mean?
October 20th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
doc says:
tell him come to the sixers we got a spot.Ollies