Evening News: Tim Duncan listed as doubtful; Grizzlies extend Pondexter

In today’s news, Spurs star forward Tim Duncan is listed with a chest contusion, while the deadline for teams to sign players to contract extensions looms.

Tim Duncan listed as doubtful

The San Antonio Spurs have announced that star forward Tim Duncan underwent a CT scan earlier this morning in San Antonio that confirmed a chest contusion. Duncan suffered the injury during the Spurs’ season opener Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. His status is being listed as day to day, and he will still be traveling with the team  as they prepare for a three-game road trip. However, at the moment he is considered doubtful for Friday night’s game against the Lakers.

 

Memphis Grizzlies sign Quincy Pondexter to extension

With the deadline for teams to get players signed to contract extensions ending today, the Grizzlies have secured the services of shooting guard Quincy Pondexter with a four-year deal, per the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Pondexter’s extension is reported to be worth a little more than $14 million, though details on the exact structure are still unknown.

Pondexter was the 26th overall pick in 2010 by the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the New Orleans Hornets and then again to the Grizzlies. This is a low-risk, high-reward signing, as Pondexter – arguably the best perimeter shooter on the Grizzlies, who don;t have much shooting – will be making about $3.5 million a year.

Sacramento Kings not retaining Jimmer Fredette

Guard Jimmer Fredette has been informed that the Kings will not be exercising their option to keep him for the 2014-15 season. Per Sam Amick of USA Today, sources close to the situation have stated that the Kings have received trade interest in Fredette.

The writing was on the wall this summer, when the Kings drafted Ben McLemore and dealt Tyreke Evans. That meant management had no interest in taking an extended look at Fredette, whose college exploits have not transferred to the NBA.

With Sacramento boasting a crowded backcourt, Fredette did not play in Sacramento’s season-opening 90-88 win over Denver on Wednesday night. As the 10th overall pick in 2011, he has failed to live up to his lottery pick status. Whether or not the Kings trade him, Fredette will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.