San Antonio signs Mason Plumlee to a 10-day contract

The San Antonio Spurs are adding some depth to their front court. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Spurs signed veteran center Mason Plumlee to a 10-day contract.

The 35-year-old center will join the team after the Spurs opened up a roster spot by waiving Jeremy Sochan last week. Plumlee started the season with the Charlotte Hornets, but played in only 14 games, averaging 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. He last appeared in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 22. The 13-year veteran has averaged 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds over his career. This will be Plumlee’s eighth NBA team, but he is most known for his time with the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets.

Plumlee adds some needed depth and a veteran presence to San Antonio’s locker room. The move closely mirrors what the Spurs did last season by signing Bismack Biyombo, although with less desperation. A healthy Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet likely leave Plumlee out of the rotation, but he’s another break-in-case-of-emergency option to go alongside Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk.

Plumlee is best known for his passing and IQ from the center position. He’s averaged 2.4 assists for his career, making quick reads off handoffs and in the short roll. He’s a solid pick-and-roll player due to his strength and IQ. In his prime, he was a good athlete who could contest shots and run the rim for dunks. He doesn’t thrive as a shooter or finisher inside and isn’t well-regarded as a rim protector. More than anything, he’s another big body on a cheap deal who can step in and play spot minutes if the Spurs are shorthanded.

It remains to be seen if Plumlee sticks around for the Spurs’ end-of-the-season run for the playoffs. San Antonio can sign him to a full deal once his 10-day contract is up.