The Golden State Warriors signed guard CJ Watson to a 10-day contract Tuesday, hoping a top player in the NBA’s Development League can become their backup point guard.
Watson, a collegiate star at Tennessee, played in Italy and Greece last year. He is the D-League’s third-leading scorer this season, averaging 26.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Golden State hasn’t had a consistent backup this season behind Baron Davis, who’s playing nearly 40 minutes per game. Troy Hudson, the veteran signed for the job last summer, has played in just nine games while attempting to come back from a serious hip injury.
The Warriors had success with a D-League callup last January when Kelenna Azubuike became a consistent member of coach Don Nelson’s rotation.
“(Watson) is playing very well in the D-League, and we need some help,” Nelson said Monday night. “I’ve never seen him play, so I’m as anxious as anyone to watch him.”
