HoopsHype.com Rumors

Charles F. Gardner: #Bucks guard Beno Udrih is recovered from bump on head and took part in contact practice today. Udrih hopes to play bigger role this season. Twitter @cf_gardner

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih, Injuries 

Less than a quarter into the Bucks' first preseason game and they're already experienced an injury to a key player. Beno Udrih suffered a head injury as he fell to the floor about midway through the first quarter of the Milwaukee Bucks' opening preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Udrih fell backwards and knocked the back of his head against teammate Larry Sanders' knee. He stayed on the floor for a few minutes after the impact as he was tended to by the training staff. Thankfully he didn't seem to exhibit any immediate numbness or other major symptoms. Eventually he got to his feet and walked to the locker room without assistance. Brew Hoop

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih, Injuries 

Bucks backup point guard Beno Udrih has picked up the player option on his contract and will return to the team for the 2012-'13 season, general manager John Hammond confirmed Wednesday. Udrih has a player option worth $7.8 million for next season. It's not a bad situation for the Bucks because they have a valuable expiring contract as well as an experienced veteran in Udrih. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih 

But Udrih fully realizes his market value has taken a major hit and that he wouldn’t come anywhere close to making $7 million as an unrestricted free agent this summer. As such, Udrih, the Bucks’ second-highest paid player, said he will pick up the player option for next season. Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Beno Udrih 

The eight year veteran is averaging his lowest minutes per game since the 2007 campaign and it has left him a bit confused and frustrated with his role on the Bucks. “I understood my role when I was in San Antonio being a backup point guard and just trying to prove myself,” Udrih told HOOPSWORLD. “I got a chance to prove myself [in Sacramento] and proved that I can play in this league by being a solid starting point guard. This year, I came here I thought I was going to play a little more with Brandon Jennings as a combo guard, but that hasn’t happened a lot yet.” HoopsWorld

Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Beno Udrih 

The adjustment period while learning the new offensive and defensive sets has been tough for Udrih and it has been compounded by the fact his minutes have fluctuated throughout the early part of the season. “I was averaging thirty four minutes per game and now I’m playing like sixteen or seventeen minutes per game, so it’s a totally different game I have to go out there and play,” Udrih said referencing going from starter minutes in Sacramento to a reserve role. “Even my stats went down shooting wise because sometimes you come into the game and you only get two shots. That makes your percentage go down. I just have to stay positive and go out there and try to help my team as much as I can to win.” HoopsWorld

Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Beno Udrih 

Udrih confirms he’s heard the buzz about some of the potential suitors for his services and takes it as a measure of respect for his game. “It is always good to hear that teams are interested,” Udrih told HOOPSWORLD. “But until [a trade] happens, I’m here. I’m a Milwaukee Buck player. I’m going to give it 100 percent every game while I’m here. Nothing can change that. So I’m going to go out there and play hard until something happens, if it happens.” The 29 year old guard would also welcome a change of scenery if the trade winds came calling over the next two weeks. “Most players in the NBA are basically only numbers so anybody is tradable if they feel they can get something,” Udrih said. “I’m a guy who looks at [change] like a good thing. I never take it as hard feelings. I try to make the best of every situation that comes along.” HoopsWorld

Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Beno Udrih 

It's so tough that Udrih wouldn't say whether he'll exercise his option to play another season with the Bucks. The 29-year-old Udrih, who is making $7.3 million this season, has a player's option for $7.8 million next season. "I just want to see how this year turns out," said Udrih, who planned to play in Russia if the NBA lockout hadn't ended. "Whatever I say right now would be out of the blue. I would just be guessing." Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih 

Udrih has yet to start a game and is playing about half the minutes - 16.9 minutes - than he did in Sacramento. He is also averaging a mere 5.2 points and 3.2 assists. No, this isn't what Udrih had in mind when the trade went down. "I didn't expect to play 15 minutes a game here," Udrih said. "I thought it would be like between 25 and 30 minutes and maybe play with Brandon (Jennings) a little because Brandon likes to move to the shooting guard, too. "But it hasn't happened as much as I thought it would. It is what it is." Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih 

Udrih's last name has been mispronounced so often that it's gotten to the point where Udrih doesn't even bother correcting the offenders. More often than not, Udrih said he's been called "Ooh-drick." "If you check my last name with Kirk Hinrich's last name, it's totally different," Udrih said of the Atlanta Hawks guard. "But people keep saying my name like his with ‘rick' at the end. "I don't why people say it, but I've gotten over it. It's been happening so long now." Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih 

Jonathan Rinehart: Bucks G Beno Udrih left their game last night at DEN in the 3rd qtr w/ a left shoulder contusion and did not return. He is day-to-day Twitter

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih, Injuries 

Speculation about the Bucks' intentions regarding an amnesty clause in the prospective labor deal has focused on Udrih, but sources close to the organization indicated there is no plan to use the amnesty clause on Udrih or anyone on the current roster. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih 

Beno Udrih and his fiance, Michelle Wiley, are getting married Saturday in Los Angeles. And Udrih's agent, Marc Cornstein, said the Bucks' newly acquired guard is not planning to sign with a European team while NBA players are being locked out by league owners. "He's got two years remaining on his deal and it's not something we're exploring at this time," Cornstein said in a recent interview. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih, Lockout 

Cornstein said if the lockout drags on for several months, it's possible Udrih could change his plans. But for now the former Sacramento Kings guard is looking forward to his future with the Bucks. "I think a trade is always a bit of a shock to a player's system," Cornstein said. "But especially after Beno got to talk to (general manager) John Hammond and (coach) Scott Skiles, he became really enthusiastic about the opportunity. "I think he knows Milwaukee is going in the right direction. He's accustomed to winning and wants to get back to a winning program." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih, Lockout 

Skiles on Udrih's position: "By anybody's measure, most franchises, most coaches, most GMs would say Beno is a point guard. That's the type of game he plays. But that doesn't mean he can't do other things. The way the game is played now, there are so many opportunities where teams are looking to put one big man in the game and four versatile guys. Beno is a high-level player. There are times where both of our guards (Jennings and Udrih) or three point guards are going to be in the game together." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Beno Udrih 

While nobody is sure how Stephen Jackson feels about being dealt to the Bucks - a national NBA reporter tweeted Jackson was upset about being traded by Charlotte while Bucks officials claim the contrary - Beno Udrih is eager about moving from Sacramento to Milwaukee. "I think there was a little bit of a shock to the system when he learned about the trade,'' said Marc Cornstein, Udrih's agent. "But once he digested it and heard how he fits into their plans and where Milwaukee is going as a team, I think he was pretty excited about it.'' Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Trade, Beno Udrih 

While realizing Brandon Jennings has been the Bucks' starting point guard the last two seasons, Cornstein isn't ruling out the possibility of Udrih challenging for a starter's spot. "I think Scott Skiles will determine who starts and who gets playing time,'' Cornstein said. "I'm not going to speculate on that. Coach Skiles will be the decision-maker.'' Racine Journal-Times

Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Trade, Beno Udrih 

The Kings, who started Beno Udrih at point guard for a majority of the 2010-11 season, appear determined to add a front-line floor general. Sources told ESPN.com's Chad Ford that the Kings have also contacted the Denver Nuggets about Raymond Felton. ESPN.com

Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Trade, Beno Udrih, Raymond Felton 

Udrih is one of the more thoughtful, analytical players in the league. He absorbs scouting reports with ease. He knows which teammate breaks off a play or blows an assignment and isn't afraid to point the finger. He can be a bit preachy, but he is extremely well-liked within the organization and, given his enigmatic past, immensely respected for rescripting his career. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Beno Udrih 

"I learned that you better appreciate everything you have because it can be taken away," Udrih said. "I'm very happy now. I'm in love. I'm engaged. I like being in Sacramento." Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Beno Udrih