Argentinean player was hoping to join Spurs
9/6/2003
Spurs News Editor
Alejandro Montecchia, the distinguished Argentine point guard who shares a hometown and a roster spot on his country's national team with current Spurs' star Manu Ginobili, asked Pamesa Valencia team officials to help him facilitate his exit from the team so that he could join the World Champion, San Antonio Spurs, but it didn't happen.
According to several sources, the Spurs were very interested in acquiring his services, and as late as last Wednesday, Montecchia's agent Arturo Ortega repeatedly told him about the Spurs' interest. The point guard contacted the Spanish team's general manager and coach wondering if they could help him negotiate an exit from the final year of his contract. Team officials, however, told him it that an early exit would be impossible.
While Montecchia had assured fans through the media that he was commited to playing out his contractual obligations, behind the scenes- the point guard attempted personal contact with various team officials and owners in hopes that he would be able to negotiate his release, but in the end, there were too many obstacles. "He even resorted to begging," said one source. "He was on cloud nine and pleasantly surprised by San Antonio's interest, but ultimately, he knows that his contractual obligations must be met and now he is prepared to play again."
"It was a splash of very cold water," said Montecchia. "They didn't even want to negotiate They explained to me that they took a gamble on me and that they were even criticized by the press for making moves and cutting players in order to secure my services."
"The fact that the Spurs tried so hard to get me to sign caused me to really reflect on a lot of things," said Montecchia. "It really shook me up and caused me to get truly excited about the possibilities. It goes to your head and you can't help but get excited. It's every player's dream."
Ultimately, a $700,000 buy-out clause was too big an obstacle to overcome and now Montecchia must prepare to report to Pamesa Valencia's training camp next week. He is expected to join fellow Argentinean, Fabrizio Oberto on the Spanish squad.
