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San Antonio Spurs: 25 Best Players To Play For The Spurs

By Phil Watson

Apr 24, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; A general view of the AT&T center before the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; A general view of the AT&T center before the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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27 Apr 1998: Guard Vinny Del Negro of the San Antonio Spurs in action against forward George McCloud and forward Antonio McDyess of the Phoenix Suns during an NBA playoff game at the AlamoDome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Suns 100-88.
27 Apr 1998: Guard Vinny Del Negro of the San Antonio Spurs in action against forward George McCloud and forward Antonio McDyess of the Phoenix Suns during an NBA playoff game at the AlamoDome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Suns 100-88. /

25. player. 29. <strong>How acquired:</strong> Free agent, July 30, 1992.. SG-PG. 1992-98. Vinny Del Negro

Vinny Del Negro had turned his back on the NBA, eschewing a contract extension from the Sacramento Kings in order to sign a three-year deal with Benetton Treviso in the Italian League.

After winning an Legabasket Serie A title, Del Negro was able to opt out of his deal in Italy to return to the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent in July 1992.

SAS_25_DEL_NEGRO
SAS_25_DEL_NEGRO /

He played mostly at the 2 guard spot, but also played some at the point, starting 331 of his 433 career appearances for the Spurs, where he was a solid role player on a team that was building toward contention.

In February 1999, Del Negro signed as a free agent with the Milwaukee Bucks after playing in Italy during the lockout.

In six seasons in San Antonio, Del Negro averaged 11.2 points, 3.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game, shooting .482/.367/.828.

He was a two-year starter at North Carolina State, averaging 15.9 points per game as a senior, and the Kings took Del Negro in the second round, 29th overall, of the 1988 NBA Draft.

In June 2000, Del Negro was traded to the Golden State Warriors as part of a three-team deal that included the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He was sent to the Phoenix Suns in a January 2001 trade.

Another three-team deal in November 2001 sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers, with the Orlando Magic also taking part, and Del Negro was waived by the Clippers the same day.

Del Negro worked two years in the Suns’ front office and has also been head coach of the Chicago Bulls (2008-10) and the Clippers (2010-13), posting a record of 210-184 in the regular season and 10-19 in the playoffs over five NBA campaigns.

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