NBA Rumors: Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs Considering Andray Blatche
Andray Blatche was once a very promising prospect that was drafted out of high school by the Washington Wizards. He was selected with the 49th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. Blatche stands at 6’11″ and averaged 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 turnovers per game in 26 games for the Wizards last season.
Blatche has on occasion flashed the ability to be considered a solid NBA starter. On September 24, 2010, Blatche received a contract extension from the Wizards. Blatche averaged a career high 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game that same season, so the franchise looked to make the right move regarding the extension.
However, following the ’10 season, Blatche was dealing with injuries and reports said he wasn’t doing much to make sure he was in playing condition. On March 20, 2012, the Wizards announced that they were benching Blatche indefinitely due to lack of conditioning, and that would prove to be the final straw for the New York Native. Things got so bad for Andray, he was booed numerous times on his own home court because of publicly criticizing the team earlier in the season. On July 17, 2012, the Wizards announced that they had waived Blatche via the amnesty clause. No team placed a bid on the remaining three years and roughly $24 million on his contract.
Blatche is now an unrestricted free agent, looking for a destination to revive his career. Just a day ago, CBS reported through the NBA Rumors grapevine, that virtually nobody in the NBA was interested in signing him. What a difference 24 hours makes, as the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, have expressed interest in the 25 year old forward. ESPN’s Marc Stein posted on his twitter account, “Free-agent rumble that just dribbled across the pond: Heat & Spurs among teams to express exploratory interest in free agent Andray Blatche.”
If any of these NBA rumors hold water, and both teams go after him, he has an important decision to make if he wants to turnaround his young career.. Go play for the glorious super global champion, Miami Heat and have his every move put under the Miami media microscope. Or go to Texas, and play for the Spurs, who are considered “boring” and are nowhere near the media darlings the Heat are. Spurs also have a few veterans on the roster, who Blatche can gain experience and wisdom from. Some new scenery and some growing up just might revive Andray’s career, depending on where he goes.
Michael J. Igyarto is a featured columnist for Rant Sports
Follow Michael on twitter: @windycityiggy
