BREAKING NEWS: Warriors Re-sign Kelenna Azubuike

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 13, 2007 4:23 PM PDT in News

The Warriors have reportedly just signed NBDL product Kelenna Azubuike to a 2 year deal [see Contra Costa Times]. For the 2006-2007 season Azubuike will collect $687,456. Azubuike has a player option for the second year at $797,581.

I have to say I'm really feeling this move by the Warriors. Whenever Kelenna had to fill in for an injured Warrior player (and believe me there were many this past season) he was spectacularily solid (if that makes any sense at all). His tough all around game was highlighted by several scoring outburts. This past January against the Paper Clips right after the robbery of the Indy Pacers Kelenna dropped 28 points. He also scored 23 points twice in the month of February against the Nuggets and Bulls.

With respect to dollars Kelenna's deal makes tons of cents and sense. It's the free agent bargain of the offseason so far! The Warriors are getting Kabuki's services for about 1/15 of the price of the Orlando Tragic's absurd new max contract player Rashard Lewis. (haha, it makes the Allan Houston 100+ million dollar contract look like a bargain.)

Kelenna just fits in with the culture here.
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kelenna was a great in-season DLeague find by Chris Mullin, particularly after selecting what looks to be Project O'Bust in the sorry 2006 NBA Draft class. That class was so weak that Mullie essentially plucked a 2006 lottery pick in Azubuike from the NBDL at a fraction of the cost. Unlike Patrick O'Bryant Kelenna's been balling up the summer league too.

Kelenna's made the most of his summer.
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

You feeling the Kelenna deal?

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Comments

MARIO

I'm feeling KELENNA's deal! Definitely a great pick up last year and a steal this year after he showed the NBA what he's capable of! I wish he played more in the playoffs, especially when NELLIE was running out the same guys night in/night out!

And is it just me or does KELENNA look just like that singer MARIO?

"GO BIG or GO HOME!!!"

by scottiepimppen on Jul 13, 2007 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

ha

i have been thinking he looks like mario for a long time, but i never knew if anyone posted it already than they would of thought i was dumb reposting something lol.

by 24k state fan since 87 on Jul 13, 2007 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions

werd

I think the word you're looking for is "Spectacularly"

I don't see this as breaking news. I see it as BREAK YO SELF: cuz that's what i'd make the warriors do if they didnt resign this gem.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma @ Golden State Of Mind on Jul 13, 2007 4:27 PM PDT reply actions

Righteous!

Could be the most valued Warrior deal in ages!

The money says he's staying..not a over priced trading chip!

by streetballer on Jul 13, 2007 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Great Deal

This kid can play. He understands the game, and fits in really well. With a little seasoning, he can be a solid pro for a long time. My only worry is that he'll play his way into a bigger contract. I wish the deal was a team option for year 2.

by factorjr on Jul 13, 2007 4:28 PM PDT reply actions

AWESOME

kelenna is not lacking for skills and definitely not in name either. good job resigning him

by llamalimbo1 on Jul 13, 2007 4:29 PM PDT reply actions

Finally something tangible

All the potential scenarios floating around this site have given me a headache. Smart move by the dubs.

by DBB on Jul 13, 2007 4:30 PM PDT reply actions

Great move

At a great bargain.

by jlagace on Jul 13, 2007 4:31 PM PDT reply actions

It's kinda like

We're getting Pietrus 2.0 for $5mil cheaper.

by jlagace on Jul 13, 2007 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Good Move

This seemed to be pretty obvious with his performance in SL. I'm very happy to see those dollar amounts. There are still bargains out there after all.

by olympicmike on Jul 13, 2007 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

whoo!

Kabuki's a smart and fundamentally sound player. Definitely a good move by Mully.

by Caught Backcourt on Jul 13, 2007 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

Fanzabuike!!!

Absolutely love Buki as a 7th or 8th man.

On a side note: in diary titles, can we remember to distinguish between "re-sign" and "resign"? I often make the same mistake, but it can be confusing as a reader. In this diary, it's clear enough from the context, but, for example, in streetballer's FT coach diary, I actually wasn't sure which he meant.

by Sleepy Freud on Jul 13, 2007 4:36 PM PDT reply actions

Good catch

I've seen people use both, but I agree "re-sign" is the way to go.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 13, 2007 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

haha

yeah that other diary was confusing

by travisl212 on Jul 13, 2007 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions

What are you doing?

You were asked not to post here anymore at a minimum for at least a month. You've repeatedly gone overboard and hurt the quality of this community.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 13, 2007 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions

thats the first ive heard of this

i apalagize... no more posting... 1 month..

by travisl212 on Jul 13, 2007 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Poor Travis

I don't know what happened, and know you can't respond to this, and I know my activity has been somewhat "down" lately, but I will say that you are a good person who really gives his opinions, furiously defends them and holds nothing back. I'm assuming that that's what got you into this whole thing.

But man, I'll miss you. :'(

Tony aka Drawlz600 is AWESOME!!!!

by Zorgon on Jul 14, 2007 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Because of your constant violations

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2007/7/12/131026/218

Seriously, what are you doing? What's wrong with you? Why do you think it's acceptable to post something like that here?

We're sick of having delete all your immature and inappropriate comments and your pointless diary rants that bring down the community. Go somewhere else please. There's plenty Warrior message boards where this behavior is acceptable, but on this blog it's not. At the very least please do not post here for a month. Good bye.

That goes for anyone else who's not mature enough to be here.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 14, 2007 12:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Okay.

I'll have to agree with Atma on that one, but I'll still miss him.

Tony aka Drawlz600 is AWESOME!!!!

by Zorgon on Jul 14, 2007 1:49 AM PDT up reply actions

After all these other guys getting signed to big $

I can hardly believe that an NBA player would even sign a 2 year $1.5 mil contract. And Kapono's making $5mil per? Great value signing. I say we shoot for MIP two years in a row!

by ivanbe on Jul 13, 2007 4:38 PM PDT reply actions

Great move by Mully

I think its an absolute steal to get Kelenna back for the league minimum.

by nautica on Jul 13, 2007 4:38 PM PDT reply actions

atta boy buke...

love it...bookie's the shit

by BeLEGENDelliAllDay on Jul 13, 2007 4:50 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome..

Can't wait to see him with a bigger role.

by JimBarnett2KevinGarnett on Jul 13, 2007 4:50 PM PDT reply actions

sweet

this guy will be even better this year. Holla!

Nellie's Schmoes

by tadams1080 on Jul 13, 2007 4:52 PM PDT reply actions

what's not to like about this deal?

that said, I know who's jersey I'm buying if Barnsey isn't a Dub next season

Ronald Reagan was a jerk.

by Nooob on Jul 13, 2007 5:00 PM PDT reply actions

Suprisingly cheap

I can't believe we only have to pay this kid less than a million this year. WHATTA STEAL. He's due for a breakout season after his summer league showcase, and since he has an option after this season this is essentially a one year deal. Hope he gets more money next year.

by FoyleIsMyHomeboy on Jul 13, 2007 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

Nice!

I'd like to see Buike step into MP2's role (let MP2 go and make a serious play for Barnes). I'm sure they were hoping for a 2-yr minimum deal, but gave in to the 2nd year p-option, which he will probably decline. He should get enough PT this year to prove his worth in the league.

by chacabuco on Jul 13, 2007 5:07 PM PDT reply actions

This

is the best bargain in the NBA. I'd easily pick Buike up over a lot of the other guys that signed to big contracts including Walton and Kapono. Buike has good skills and a good basketball mind. I have no doubt that he'll be able to produce. I just hope he doesn't become too expensive to the point where we won't be able to RE-SIGN him next year.

by J Rich 4 MVP on Jul 13, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions

Can I get a HELL YES?!?!?!?

MY LIST HAS BEEN BOUGHT BACK TO FOUR!!!!

List:
Adonal Foyle
Stephane Lasme
Marco Bellinelli
KELENNA AZUBUIKE

Tony aka Drawlz600 is AWESOME!!!!

by Zorgon on Jul 13, 2007 5:17 PM PDT reply actions

werd?

who purchased said list?

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma @ Golden State Of Mind on Jul 13, 2007 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

Its my list of "Players Zorgon really really likes."

Tony aka Drawlz600 is AWESOME!!!!

by Zorgon on Jul 14, 2007 12:10 AM PDT up reply actions

yep yep :)

by Anomaly on Jul 13, 2007 5:19 PM PDT reply actions

Yes Sir

Killa Kelenna is a beast. He has a great all around game, and is strong to get them boards and defend.

I love 2 tell tha truth, but I'm such a Good Liar

by JRichIsStillAGodButBiedrinsIsABeast on Jul 13, 2007 5:26 PM PDT reply actions

awesome!

Great move. +1 for Nelson/Mullin for finding the guy integrating him, and now keeping him for dirt freakin' cheap.

We're like the Oakland A's of the NBA, we just find talent outta no where and keep getting bargains.

Let's get Belinelli officially signed, re-sign Powell, and get our house in order.

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Jul 13, 2007 5:28 PM PDT reply actions

Yes

Gives new meaning to the term Most "Valuable" Player. A complete bargain - this signing was obviously going to happen. Just like Barnes this past season, I predict Kelenna will have a breakout year and deservedly warrant more than $787k next year.

**With any trade talks, I'd be surprised if teams aren't asking for Kelenna to be included in a package, because he can play and is a bargain.**

by unblinded on Jul 13, 2007 5:36 PM PDT reply actions

im sure

that many of the players come across GSOM...

so kelenna, welcome to the family! enjoying your summer league play, as well as the great season last year.... keep up the great work, and we love to have you here!

by jdmsir20 on Jul 13, 2007 5:40 PM PDT reply actions

Actually

Kelenna's sister's boyfriend used to post here. Real cool guy. Haven't heard from him lately though.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 13, 2007 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm still here!

Yeah, it's been a while since I've posted anything...been swamped with a couple of summer graduate school classes but I just had to take time out to drop back by and say what's up and that I'm happy to be a Warrior's fan for at least one more year anyways! Hopefully more, you guys seem to have an awesome fanbase, much more-so than a lot of other NBA teams...thanks for all the love you guys are giving Kelenna, can't wait for next season, I'll be there with you guys the whole way!

by bigluvin on Jul 15, 2007 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions

I LOVE IT...

This guy is roots, and "came to play" (who remembers that slogan?).
I think Nelson and Mully are gonna get it done one way or another. I think this is a very good sign (pun...intended).
QUESTION to GSOM:
where can we pick up those grey super-throwback tees?(shown in pic)
BTW...
I'm a quiet one- but have been loving the offseason banter this year. even the crazy-whatever-whatever stuff.
keep it up y'all....

by Cocomotion on Jul 13, 2007 5:43 PM PDT reply actions

Very glad to see him "re-signed"

But, like "factorjr" said, i also wished it was a team option, or that we signed him on for 3 years with these rates. <1mil/year for Buike is a steal. Almost.....ALMOST as much so as the pacers heist.

Through thinNthinN?

by k759 on Jul 13, 2007 5:46 PM PDT reply actions

Salaries

I can't believe POB is making 3X more in 07-08 than Kelenna and Monta.

by unblinded on Jul 13, 2007 5:55 PM PDT reply actions

Great Deal For the Dubs

We definitely signed a valued rotation player with upside on the cheap. Well done!

by xoverdribble on Jul 13, 2007 8:30 PM PDT reply actions

WOW!!

we resigned him for very little money!! i'm very surprised. he is a great player and could have gotten more money. let's just hope we get barnes for cheap now too =)

by thewarriorsrule on Jul 13, 2007 8:57 PM PDT reply actions

Word up!

What a deal! He's gonna work hard for his money and shine great in the league! Now let's re-sign Barnes and capture the magic we had last season... Push! (Pietrus can go... lol best of luck 2 him!)

Show Me The Money! (He's worth it!)

New "Re-sign Barnes" tribute webpin LOL!

by Tony.psd on Jul 14, 2007 1:25 AM PDT reply actions

Lessons learned?

It sure is nice to see Mullin signing players based on performance and play time, not potential.

He is turning into a pretty good GM. If he can swing the KG deal, I'll call him one of the best ever.

My guess is Buki will get a lot more play time this year with JRich gone. With the two year deal, if he delivers he'll be able to cash in after that. Win-win for everyone.

by RonG on Jul 14, 2007 9:13 AM PDT reply actions

indeed

excellent, love to watch someone smart and hungry like kabuki. he's a great solid addition to our streaky funny farm of a team.

by redape on Jul 16, 2007 9:27 AM PDT reply actions

for surely

I already posted what I thought of Buike in his sisters boyfriends post but I didn't comment on the resigning I don't think. Anyway I'm glad it happened, he really plays hard and he has talent with Nelly, thats gonna get him a chance at some PT. But we know Nelly, if he wants consistent PT he'll need to do like he did last year and step in and step it up. Go Buike

by drizztismoneybaby on Jul 17, 2007 2:50 PM PDT reply actions