Lakers sign Yi Jianlian

Lakers sign Yi Jianlian

Forward Yi Jianlian is back in the NBA. The Lakers officially signed him today.

“We’re excited to have a player of his worldwide accomplishments,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. “We look forward to bringing him to training camp and hopefully having him make an impact on our team.”

The Lakers frontcourt revolves around Luol Deng, Julius Randle, and if he’s ready, rookie Brandon Ingram, plus Timofey Mozgov at center. Jianlian adds some forward depth.

Yi, who hails from the Guangdong Province in China, recently concluded competing for his country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, averaging 20.4 points (3rd overall in group play competition), 6.6 rebounds (6th), 1.4 steals (t-6th), and 1.0 blocks (t-6th) per game over his five contests while shooting 46.7% from three-point range.

Drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, Yi last appeared in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2011-12 season. Over his five-year NBA career, the 6’11’’ Yi averaged 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 22.2 minutes per game over 272 contests (163 starts) with the Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Mavericks.

Prior to joining the NBA, the 28-year-old played professionally for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association beginning in 2002, and played the last four seasons with the organization as well. He is a four-time CBA champion, eight-time CBA MVP, and two-time CBA Finals MVP, in addition to a decorated international career that includes winning three gold medals at the FIBA Asia Championships (2015, 2011, and 2005) and gold at the 2006 Asian Games.

Bucks sign Jason Terry

Bucks sign Jason Terry

The Bucks today signed veteran guard Jason Terry.

Terry, 38, is a 17-year NBA veteran who spent the last two seasons playing for the Houston Rockets. In 2015-16, Terry played in 72 games (seven starts) with the Rockets and averaged 5.9 points, 1.4 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game.

The Bucks backcourt is built around Matthew Dellavedova, Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton, and they also may use forward-sized Giannis Antetokounmpo as a point guard. Terry will add depth to that group.

“Jason is a true professional who understands what it takes to be successful in this league,” Bucks General Manager John Hammond said. “He’ll be an invaluable resource for our young group as we continue to develop into a championship-caliber team on and off the court, and he’s still one of the best shooters in the game who can help stretch the floor for us. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Milwaukee.”

The 6-2 guard was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 10th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career with the Hawks. Terry then moved to Dallas where he played with the Mavericks for eight seasons, including the Mavs’ 2011 NBA Championship team, before playing with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets for one season each prior to his stint in Houston.

Jazz sign rookie Marcus Paige

The Jazz signed 2016 second-round pick guard Marcus Paige today. He will wear jersey #16.

Paige (6-2, 175) played four seasons at North Carolina, averaging 13.1 points, 4.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range in 141 career games. He helped lead the Tar Heels to the 2016 NCAA Championship Game. Paige was recognized as an Academic All-American in three seasons, including First Team honors following his senior season. He was named to the ACC All-Tournament Team in 2015 and 2016 as well as the 2014 ACC Most Improved Player of the Year.

The 22-year-old was a member of the Jazz entry at the 2016 Utah Jazz Summer League (July 4-7) and NBA Summer League (July 8-15) in Las Vegas, averaging 7.0 points, 1.6 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 19.7 minutes of action in nine games. He reached double-figures in back-to-back contests, scoring 10 points against New Orleans on July 10 and 11 points against Portland on July 12.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native played high school basketball at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, helping them to a 2011 AAAA State Championship. Paige was selected as the 2012 Gatorade Iowa Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Iowa Mr. Basketball.

Nets hire Gianluca Pascucci and BJ Johnson

The Nets on Monday named Gianluca Pascucci as director of global scouting and BJ Johnson as coordinator of player evaluation.

“We are thrilled to add Gianluca and BJ to our front office,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “Collectively, they bring valuable experiences that cross many platforms and their extensive knowledge of both the NBA and the global game will be tremendous assets to our scouting department. Both will be excellent additions to our culture and we are excited about welcoming them to Brooklyn.”

Pascucci joins the Nets after spending the past four years as vice president of player personnel for the Houston Rockets. During his time in Houston, he also served as the general manager of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the D-League affiliate of the Rockets. It marked Pascucci’s second stint in Houston, as he previously served as the team’s international scout for six seasons (2002-08).

William “BJ” Johnson joins Brooklyn’s staff after spending the past six years as USA Basketball’s assistant men’s national team director. Johnson worked with all levels of USA Basketball men’s teams, with his primary focus on developing the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team program. Johnson began his career with USA Basketball in 2005 as manager of competitive programs, where he was involved with all facets of the men’s and women’s programs, including player personnel and basketball operations during trials, training camps and competitions.