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Malik Hairston, Italian club in flux; Thomas Gardner gets look with Spurs

The Portland Tribune, Aug 30, 2010

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Reports are circulating that former Oregon Ducks basketball standout Malik Hairston is looking for a new team and has back problems.

Hairston reportedly has been let go by Montepaschi Siena and has disc trouble that is affecting his play. He could sign a reworked contract with the Italian club, though, and is continuing to do rehab in Siena.

Hairston, a 6-6, 220-pound forward, had signed a two-year deal after last season with Siena, on the heels of his brief run with the San Antonio Spurs.

He was acquired by the Spurs in a 2008 draft-day deal after being the 48th overall pick by Phoenix. He appeared in 62 games with the Spurs from 2008-10, averaging 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game.

The Spurs, meanwhile, have invited former Jefferson High and University of Missouri guard Thomas Gardner for a workout.

The 6-5 Gardner most recently played in Belgium for the Antwerp Giants after short stays in the NBA with Chicago, Atlanta and Memphis. He averaged 2.3 points in about seven minutes per game during his NBA career.