December 2011 – Page 23 – NBA Blog

Heat re-sign forward James Jones

The Miami Heat announced today that they have re-signed free agent forward James Jones. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jones has appeared in 447 regular season career games (73 starts) over eight seasons. During his NBA career, with four different teams, he has averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 18.9 minutes while shooting 40.2 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from three-point range and 85.7 percent from the foul line. He has scored in double-figures on 114 occasions and has shot at least 82 percent from the foul line every season of his career.

During the last three seasons with the Heat, Jones appeared in 157 regular season games (15 starts) averaging 5.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 17.1 minutes while shooting 39.7 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from three-point range and 83.2 percent from the foul line. The 2010 NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout Champion ranks among Miami’s all-time leaders, placing fourth in three-point field goal percentage, 15th in three-point field goals made (193) and 19th three-point field goal attempts (473).

Jones originally signed with the Heat as a free agent on July 9, 2008 before being waived by the club on June 29, 2010. He was then re-signed on July 19, 2010 before becoming a free agent for the 2011-12 season.

Bucks trade Keyon Dooling to Celtics

The Milwaukee Bucks have traded guard Keyon Dooling (6-3, 196) and a protected 2012 second round draft pick to the Boston Celtics for the rights to forward/center Albert Miralles (6-10, 230), General Manager John Hammond announced today.

Dooling, a 6’3” guard, has amassed career averages of 7.2 points and 2.3 assists in 675 games over 11 seasons with the Clippers, Heat, Magic, Nets and Bucks. Dooling appeared in a career-high 80 games last season for Milwaukee and recorded a career-high 11 assists to go along with 12 points against Cleveland on January 21. He also recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds at Chicago on January 24. Dooling led the Bucks in assists in 20 games last season as well as leading the team in steals on 14 occasions. Over the last three seasons Dooling has shot 38.1 percent from three-point territory. The former Missouri Tiger posted his highest scoring season during the 2008-09 campaign while with the Nets averaging 9.7 points and a career-high 3.5 assists per game.

Miralles, 29, was originally selected by Toronto (39th overall) in the 2004 Draft, but was traded to Miami on draft night for the draft rights to Pape Sow. The following off-season, Miralles was dealt to Boston as part of the Antoine Walker trade. A native of Barcelona, Miralles has not played in the NBA, but has played professionally in Spain and Italy, most recently with Angelico Biella (Italy – Serie-A).

An 11-year veteran, Dooling played in 80 games for the Bucks last season and averaged 7.1 points, 3.0 assists and 1.5 rebounds per contest. He has averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 675 career NBA games.

Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe out 6-8 weeks

Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee on October 7th. He is expected to be sidelined approximately 6-8 weeks.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Benton Emblom at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Bledsoe has been cleared to take part in hydro-cardio therapy and strength work and he is expected to increase his workload by the beginning of the regular season.

A member of the 2010-11 T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie Second Team, Bledsoe averaged 6.7 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 22.7 minutes in 81 games played last season.

Heat re-sign guard Mario Chalmers

The Miami Heat announced today that they have re-signed guard Mario Chalmers. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Chalmers, a 6’2”, 190-pound guard, has appeared in 225 regular season games (132 starts) averaging 7.9 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.45 steals and 26.7 minutes while shooting 40.9 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 77.8 percent from the foul line. Among Miami’s all-time leaders, he ranks eighth in steals (327), tied for ninth in three-point field goals made (272), 12th in assists (826), 19th in minutes (6,012), tied for 19th in games played (225) and 22nd in three-point field goal percentage (.350).

He has appeared in 33 career postseason games (eight starts), averaging 8.1 points, 2.7 assists, 2.1 rebounds, 1.52 steals and 26.4 minutes while shooting 43 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the foul line. During the 2011 NBA Finals, Chalmers increased his postseason averages in the six-game series against Dallas in points (11.8), assists (3.5), rebounds (2.7), minutes (29.0) and three-point field goal percentage (.400). He currently ranks among the Heat’s all-time postseason leaders in steals (third), assists (sixth), three-point field goals made (tied-seventh) and games played (10th).

Chalmers shot a career-high 87.1 percent from the foul line last season and set a new Heat record after dishing out 13 assists off the Miami bench at Toronto on April 13, the most from a non-starter in franchise history. He also currently holds the Heat all-time record for steals during a regular season game with nine vs. Philadelphia on November 5, 2008 and tied the franchise mark for steals during a postseason game with five vs. Atlanta on May 1, 2009. Additionally, during his rookie campaign, he became just the fifth player, and the first rookie, in franchise history to start in all 82 games while on his way to earning Second Team NBA All-Rookie honors.

Chalmers was originally drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round (34th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft. His draft rights were acquired by the Heat in exchange for two 2009 second-round draft picks and cash considerations on draft night.

Jazz re-sign Earl Watson, pending physical

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has re-signed free-agent guard Earl Watson, pending the outcome of a successful physical. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

Watson (6-1, 185, UCLA) owns career averages of 7.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists over 10 NBA seasons with Utah, Memphis, Denver, Seattle/Oklahoma City and Indiana. Watson has also appeared in eight postseason contests, all with Memphis in 2004 and 2005.

Last season the Kansas City, Kan., native appeared in 80 games (13 starts) with Utah, averaging 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 0.8 steals in 19.6 minutes.

Watson’s best statistical season came in 2007-08 with Seattle, when he appeared in 78 games (73 starts) for the SuperSonics, averaging 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 29.1 minutes.

Greg Oden suffers yet another health setback

Greg Oden has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation, and as a result, the Trail Blazers have renegotiated the terms of his one-year contract, The Oregonian has learned.

It is unknown what the terms of the new contract are or what the setback entails.

“Following Greg’s most recent physical examination and evaluation, we’ve determined that he has suffered a setback,” team president Larry Miller said in a statement. “We’re hopeful, but are less confident that he will return to the court this season. We’ve stood by Greg from the day he was drafted and we continue to do so with this agreement.”

— Reported by Jason Quick of the Oregonian

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Raptors sign center Jamaal Magloire

The Toronto Raptors announced Friday they have signed veteran centre Jamaal Magloire. Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.

Magloire was born in Toronto and attended high school at Eastern School of Commerce. He is the first Canadian-born player to join the Raptors in the club’s 16-year history.

Magloire is a veteran of 11 NBA seasons and owns career averages of 7.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 22.1 minutes in 646 regular season outings. He has appeared in 46 postseason contests, averaging 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 19.8 minutes.

Magloire, 6-foot-11, 265 pounds comes to the Raptors after spending the past three seasons with the Miami Heat. His best statistical campaign came in 2003-04 when he averaged 13.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 33.9 minutes in 82 games with the New Orleans Hornets. He was one of only 11 players that season to average a double-double. Magloire set single-season career highs in minutes, field goals made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, free throw percentage, offensive, defensive and total rebounds, rebound average, points and scoring average. He set his career highs with 15 free throws made in 20 attempts in Toronto on March 21, 2004.

Magloire captured Eastern Conference Player of the Month honours in April 2004, averaging 21.7 points and 12.1 rebounds. He was named to the Eastern Conference squad for the 2004 NBA All-Star Game held in Los Angeles. He totaled 19 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes for the East All-Stars.

Nicknamed “Big Cat,” Magloire scored a career-best 27 points on two occasions (last: at Golden State, 11/23/04) and grabbed a personal-best 22 rebounds versus Charlotte on January 21, 2006. He’s totaled double figures in scoring on 221 occasions, including 27 games with at least 20 points. He has posted double-figure rebound totals 155 times, with three games of at least 20 rebounds. His lone 20-point/20-rebound effort came against the Raptors at the Air Canada Centre on March 7, 2004.

Magloire was selected in the first round (19th overall) by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2000 NBA Draft. He has seen action with the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat.

Magloire appeared in 145 games during his four-year collegiate career at Kentucky, averaging 7.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.85 blocks and 19.3 minutes. He finished his career as the school’s all-time shot blocker (268). As a senior, he averaged 13.2 points, second on the team, and a team-best 9.1 rebounds in 33 games. He also earned first-team All-SEC honours and became the first Wildcat and only the third SEC player to be named SEC Player of the Week three times in a season.

Kings sign forward Chuck Hayes

The Sacramento Kings today signed free agent center/forward Chuck Hayes to a multi-year contract, according to Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Chuck Hayes brings a tremendous amount of professionalism and competitive spirit to the team,” said Petrie. “He’s been a winner everywhere he’s been. I really look forward to watching him add to our team defensively, his ability to pass the ball, move the ball and be a real stabilizing force out on the court. We feel lucky to have him. We look forward to watching him play with all of his new teammates.”

Hayes, entering his seventh NBA season (all with Houston), averaged 7.9 points (.527 FGs, .662 FTs), 8.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in 74 contests year for Rockets, of which he started 63. Known for his toughness and defensive prowess, he has amassed career averages of 4.4 points (.518 FGs, .603 FTs), 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game through 424 outings. Hayes has recorded career highs of 21 points versus Phoenix (3/14/2011), 18 rebounds versus Utah (4/7/2010), 11 assists versus Golden State (3/23/2011), five steals (twice) and three blocked shots at Chicago (12/22/07).

“I’m excited,” explained Hayes. “It’s going to feel weird at first because this is all new to me, but there was change that was needed and change that I’m accepting and I’m embracing it. I’m a fan of this team. I’ve watched a lot of their games and know a little bit about all of the players. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can jump out of the gate and create some chemistry really quick. Going into my seventh year, I bring experience and veteran leadership to this roster that is young at the core.”

Hayes, who prepped at nearby Modesto Christian, enjoyed a stellar four-year career at Kentucky (2001-2005) where he posted numbers that ranked him 35th in scoring (1,211 points), seventh in rebounding (910), ninth in blocks (128), eighth in steals (170) and 16th in assists (292) on the school’s all-time list. He was named “Mr. Basketball” in California and a Parade All-American as a senior in high school while leading Modesto Christian to the state championship game (played at ARCO Arena).

“Chuck is a player who knows how to help his team win basketball games,” said Kings’ head coach Paul Westphal. “It was paramount for us to add a player like Chuck who is a young veteran who can play defense and has experience winning. He’s a great ball-mover. In a lot of ways, he’s a point guard from the center position. I think his addition will help all of our young, scoring players get more shots. He knows how to do that and he knows how to defend and we just couldn’t be happier.”

Trail Blazers sign Greg Oden to one-year deal

The Portland Trail Blazers have come to terms with center Greg Oden on a one-year deal, the team announced today.

The contract agreed upon today comes after both sides mutually agreed to negotiate a new deal that is independent of the qualifying offer.

“Following Greg’s most recent physical examination and evaluation, we’ve determined that he has suffered a setback,” said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. “We’re hopeful, but less confident that he will return to the court this season. We’ve stood by Greg from the day he was drafted and we continue to do so now with this agreement.”

Oden, 23, has averages of 9.4 points (57.7% FG), 7.3 rebounds, 1.43 blocks and 22.1 minutes in 82 games (60 starts). He has notched 21 double-doubles and grabbed 10-plus rebounds 26 times.

“I’m obviously disappointed with the setback, but I’m as determined as ever to return to the court,” said Oden. “I appreciate the support of the Trail Blazers and our fans and that they continue to stand behind me.”

The first overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft out of Ohio State, Oden missed his rookie 2007-08 campaign after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. He would later miss the 2010-11 season after microfracture surgery was performed on his left knee.

Hawks re-sign Jason Collins, sign Tracy McGrady

The Atlanta Hawks today re-signed center Jason Collins, and signed seven-time All-Star guard/forward Tracy McGrady as well as rookie second-round draft pick Keith Benson, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed.

Now in his third season in an Atlanta uniform, Collins appeared in 49 regular season games (28 starts) for the Hawks last year, averaging 2.0 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 12.1 mpg (.479 FG%, .659 FT%). He also played in 12 postseason games (nine starting assignments) during the 2011 NBA Playoffs, putting up 1.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 13.2 mpg (.643 FG%). Collins has suited up for 645 career regular season games and 90 playoff contests with New Jersey, Memphis, Minnesota and the Hawks.

McGrady comes to the Hawks from the Pistons, where in 72 games (39 starts) last season, he averaged 8.0 ppg, 3.5 apg and 3.5 rpg in 23.4 mpg (.442 FG%, .341 3FG%, .698 FT%). The ninth-leading active NBA scorer (18,108 points), McGrady has compiled career averages of 20.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.6 apg and 1.3 spg in 33.7 mpg (.435 FG%, .337 3FG%, .747 FT%). He has appeared in 886 games (703 starts) with Toronto (1997-00), Orlando (2000-04), Houston (2004-10), New York (2010) and Detroit (2010-11).

A seven-time All-Star, McGrady has also seen action in 38 career playoff games, where he’s tallied 28.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 6.2 apg and 1.3 spg in 42.2 mpg (.430 FG%, .301 3FG%, .756 FT%). The Auburndale, FL native was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2001, was named All-NBA first team in 2002 and 2003, All-league second team in 2001, 2004 and 2007, and third team in 2005 and 2008. McGrady led the NBA in scoring in 2002-03 and 2003-04.

Benson was selected by the Hawks in the second round (48th overall) in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Oakland University. An AP All-America Honorable Mention pick as a junior and senior, he averaged 14.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 2.7 bpg (.558 FG%, .379 3FG%, .679 FT%) in 135 career games for the Golden Grizzlies, while setting the Summit League record for career blocked shots (363) and the school mark for double-doubles (48).

As a senior, the 6’11 Benson averaged 17.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 3.6 bpg and 1.1 apg (.547 FG%, .643 FT%) en route to his second consecutive Summit League Player of the Year award while also garnering Defensive Player of the Year honors. He tallied 17.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 3.3 bpg (.533 FG%, .724 FT%) in his junior season.

Additionally, the Hawks have added 16-year veteran and two-time All-Star Jerry Stackhouse, Charles Garcia, Zach Graham, Ivan Johnson and Donald Sloan to the training camp roster.