Spurs Waive Darius Washington

The Spurs waived Darius Washington today, the D-League beast who played in 18 games for the Spurs while Tony Parker and Jacque Vaughn were out with injuries. If he clears waivers, the Toros can retain him. One source suggests that the Spurs wanted Washington's Austin Toros teammate Keith Langford (pictured) all along:

"Mike Schmidt an NBDL, NCAA scout says that while the Spurs called up Marcus Williams from the Toros, they had originally wanted to sign Langford instead. Langford had been out the previous 10 days with an injury, and San Antonio needed somebody to step in and play right away, so they were forced to sign Williams. Spurs GM RC Buford went to watch Keith Langford play against Tulsa, though, his first game back, where they saw him shut down Dallas Mavericks assignee Maurice Ager."

If that has any truth to it, Langford (23.2 points a game on 53% shooting) will probably be called up relatively soon. He's more of a combo guard, but is a bonafide D-Leauge All-Star candidate and apparently good on the defensive end. Washington was a decent prospect, but wasn't always focused on defense (I remember a few lapses and dumb fouls on his part). Unfortunately, Langford falls way short of Washington in beard growth. Farewell, grizzly bear.