When the talent pool is shallow, you fill it up whenever possible.
That was the rough logic behind the Kings' signing of Ime Udoka on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5, sixth-year swingman spent the last two seasons as a key reserve for San Antonio, averaging 18.0 and 15.4 minutes, respectively.
He was a strong defensive presence and an occasional three-point threat, although his 32.8 three-point percentage last season was the worst of his career (37.4 percent overall).
Udoka unexpectedly became available Oct. 22, when Portland cut him in favor of rookie draft pick Patty Mills from Saint Mary's.
With Francisco García out until at least mid-February because of a right wrist injury and fellow swingman Desmond Mason struggling since training camp, Kings coach Paul Westphal said he plans to use Udoka in a similar role.
According to sources, Udoka has a nonguaranteed contract for the veteran's minimum salary that will run through the end of the season and pay him a prorated amount of $1.03 million. It won't be fully guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2010.
"I'm thinking of him in terms of the (shooting guard) and (small forward positions)," Westphal said. "He's a versatile player, a good three-point shooter.
"He's been part of winning programs, and I think he can help anybody in this league. … If you can add a guy like that to your team, it's a good thing to do."
The addition could spell trouble for Mason, who has a nonguaranteed deal. He was added Sept. 17 for nearly identical reasons, although his athleticism and energy haven't translated to the reserve scoring the Kings had hoped.
Entering Wednesday, Mason averaged 2.3 points on 27.5 percent shooting (11 of 40 overall) in nine games (five exhibition, four regular season).
The Kings now have 15 players but are unlikely to retain the league limit.
"I think it's too soon to say what (adding Udoka) means for anybody," Westphal said when asked what it meant for Mason.
Lineup shuffling – Westphal made two changes in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game.
Spencer Hawes started at center and Andres Nocioni at small forward.
Hawes started 51 games last season, his second in the NBA. It was assumed he'd start at center this season, but Westphal benched him in favor of Sean May alongside Jason Thompson.
Hawes earned his way back into the starting lineup with a 21-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist effort in Monday's overtime win over Memphis.
Westphal said before the season he preferred to bring Nocioni off the bench at small and power forward.
Nocioni entered Wednesday's game averaging 8.8 points, including 13 points in 20 minutes against Memphis. He started in place of Mason.
Nocioni started 16 of his 23 games with the Kings last season after being acquired with three other players from the Chicago Bulls for John Salmons and Brad Miller.
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