NBA News Blog – Page 1005 – NBA Blog

Atlanta Hawks sign Lou Williams

The Atlanta Hawks have signed veteran guard Lou Williams to a multi-year contract, it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations/GM Danny Ferry. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

“Upon learning of his situation, Lou was a player we really targeted for our club,” said Ferry. “He’s a young and experienced professional who is capable of providing leadership as a starter or a reserve, and his versatility is a tremendous plus for our backcourt.”

The 25-year-old Williams, is a 6-1 veteran who comes to Atlanta following seven seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he has emerged as one of the best sixth men in the NBA. He brings career averages of 11.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 455 games to the Hawks (.421 FG%, .337 3FG%, .798 FT%).

A hometown product who played his high school ball at South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, GA, Williams was selected by the Sixers in the second-round of the 2005 NBA Draft. The 45th pick overall, he was the recipient of the 2005 Naismith Award, signifying the nation’s top high school player and took home top honors in the state of Georgia (“Mr. Basketball”) after his junior and senior seasons. Named to the 2005 McDonald’s High School All-America team, Williams was a four-time All-State player at South Gwinnett and led the Comets to a 103-16 record over his career. He is also the second all-time leading scorer in Georgia high school basketball history.

Coming off a playoff performance where he averaged 11.5 ppg, 3.0 apg and 2.1 rpg in 27.5 minutes per contest, Williams was Philadelphia’s leading scorer in 2011-12 at a career-best 14.9 points per game clip. Having led the Sixers in total points (956) despite not starting a single game, he became the first player to accomplish this feat since Dell Curry did so for Charlotte in 1993-94. His play received praise from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, who voted him second behind Oklahoma City’s James Harden for this year’s KIA Sixth Man Award. Third on the team in assists (3.5 apg), Williams also averaged 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 steals, and converted 40.7% of his FGs, 36.2% of his three-pointers and 81.2% shooting from the FT line.

Originally committed to play for the University of Georgia before declaring himself available for the NBA, Williams had his #23 retired at South Gwinnett High.

Gone from Bobcats, D.J. Augustin will join Pacers

The Indiana Pacers agreed to a one-year deal with unrestricted free-agent point guard D.J. Augustin on Thursday, filling the vacancy created when Darren Collison was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Augustin’s $4 million qualifying offer as a restricted free agent was withdrawn by the Charlotte Bobcats, who had been negotiating a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana. When the offer was rescinded, Augustin officially became an unrestricted free agent able to sign with any team.

— Reported by the Sports Xchange

Dallas Mavericks use amnesty clause to waive Brendan Haywood

Mavericks use amnesty clause to waive Brandan Haywood

The Dallas Mavericks have decided they no longer require the services of veteran center Brendan Haywood.

The team announced today that they have waived Haywood. The Mavs also announced that Haywood will be designated as its amnesty player as allowed by the new collective bargaining agreement. The one-time provision allows the Mavericks to remove Haywood’s contract amount from their salary cap.

Haywood (7-0, 263) was originally acquired via trade with the Washington Wizards on Feb. 13, 2010 when he, along with Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson, came to Dallas in exchange for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross and James Singleton. He was later re-signed by the Mavericks on July 9, 2010 to a multi-year contract.

During his time as a Maverick, Haywood averaged 5.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 20.8 minutes in 154 games (81 starts).

Haywood spent three postseasons in Dallas and was a member of the Mavericks’ first World Championship team in 2011. He suited up in 28 Playoff games (6 starts) and averaged 3.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 17.0 minutes per contest.

Anthony Davis will play in USA vs Dominican Republic exhibition game

USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo announced today that USA Basketball National Team alternate and 2012 NBA No. 1 draft pick Anthony Davis (New Orleans Hornets) will suit up for the red, white and blue for tonight’s USA-Dominican Republic exhibition game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Nev. Davis, who was in Las Vegas, was added after Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers) flew back to Los Angeles today for evaluation of his left knee.

The USA National Team concludes the Las Vegas portion of its training tonight (July 12, 6:00 p.m. PDT) with the USA Basketball Showcase that features the USA facing the Dominican Republic at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. The game is being televised live by ESPN.

Davis, who led the University of Kentucky Wildcats to this year’s NCAA championship, was named a finalist for the USA team on May 3, 2012.

Davis in 2011-12 played and started in all 40 UK games as a freshman and led the Wildcats to a 38-2 record, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season title and the NCAA championship. The 6-10 forward averaged team highs of 14.2 ppg., 10.4 rpg. and 4.7 bpg., while adding 1.3 apg. and 1.4 spg. He shot 62.3 percent from the floor and 70.9 percent from the foul line. Named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after leading Kentucky to the title and averaging 13.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.8 blocks in NCAA Tournament play, the Chicago native recorded 186 blocks which is the most in the history of the SEC and an all-time NCAA mark for freshmen.

Davis owns UK freshman records for blocks (186) and rebounds (399) by a Kentucky first-year player. He also tied the UK freshman record for double-doubles (20). He won six National Player of the Year awards including the Adolph Rupp Trophy, U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), Basketball Times, Associated Press, Wooden and Naismith. In winning the 2012 Naismith Trophy, Davis became just the second freshman to ever capture the award. Additionally, he was selected the 2012 SEC player, freshman and defensive player of the year.

Mavericks hope to re-sign Delonte West

The Mavericks remain interested in re-signing Delonte West, a source said.

The Mavs still intend to add backcourt depth after acquiring point guard Darren Collison and shooting guard Dahntay Jones in a sign-and-trade deal with the Indiana Pacers. Dallas’ decision makers value West’s toughness and versatility and would like him to return to the Mavs after averaging 9.6 points, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals as a part-time starter last season.

As with every move the Mavs make this summer, West’s return would have to be at the right price, which is likely in the salary range of $2 million.

— Reported by Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas

Bobcats withdraw qualifying offer to D.J. Augustin

Charlotte Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins announced today that the team has withdrawn its qualifying offer to D.J. Augustin. Augustin now becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Augustin was initially selected by the Bobcats with the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. In four NBA seasons, he played in 282 total games for the Bobcats, with averages of 10.9 points, 4.4 assists and 2.0 rebounds. In 2011-12, he saw action in 48 games, averaging 11.1 points, 6.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds.

According to the Charlotte Observer, the Bobcats are expected to sign free agent guard Ramon Sessions.

Blake Griffin injury update: Left knee will be examined

Clippers forward Blake Griffin experienced some left knee discomfort after completing Wednesday’s practice as a member of Team USA in Las Vegas. He will travel to Los Angeles today and will not be available for Team USA’s game Thursday night in Las Vegas versus the Dominican Republic.

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, Griffin will undergo an MRI and be examined by the Clippers’ medical staff. On Sunday, he will also be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

An announcement concerning their joint conclusion and a further course of action will be made available by the Clippers, as soon as possible after that.

The USA National Team concludes its Las Vegas training tonight (July 12, 6:00 p.m. PDT) with the USA Basketball Showcase that features the USA facing the Dominican Republic at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. The game is being televised live by ESPN.

Named on July 7 to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team were: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Griffin; James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); LeBron James (Miami Heat); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets).

The 2012 USA coaching staff is led by Duke University Hall of Fame mentor Mike Krzyzewski, who has led the USA Basketball Men’s National Team to gold medal finishes at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Assisting Krzyzewski is Syracuse University and Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, and former NBA head coaches Mike D’Antoni and Nate McMillan.

Knicks re-sign Steve Novak

New York Knickerbockers Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations and General Manager Glen Grunwald announced today that the team has re-signed forward Steve Novak. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Novak, 6-10, 240-pounds, averaged 8.8 points, on 47.8-percent shooting from the field (161-337) and 47.2-percent (133-282) from downtown, over 18.9 minutes in 54 games off the bench after being claimed off waivers on Dec. 21. He led the NBA in three-point field goal percentage (.472), becoming just the second Knick to accomplish the feat (Campy Russell, 1981-82). His three-point prowess included eight games with three triples, eight games of four treys, six five-triple games and a career-best eight three pointers during an Apr. 17 win versus Boston. The Milwaukee, WI native was originally selected by Houston in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft following a four-year career at Marquette University.

Knicks sign Jason Kidd

New York Knickerbockers Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations and General Manager Glen Grunwald announced today that the team has signed 10-time NBA All-Star free agent guard Jason Kidd. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Adding a veteran NBA All-Star to our already established team was an opportunity we could not pass up,” Grunwald said. “He has had a prolific career, with plenty of good basketball still ahead of him. Jason is a tremendous competitor and one of the best leaders the game has ever seen.”

“I am absolutely thrilled that we were able to add Jason Kidd to our roster,” Head Coach Mike Woodson said. “I consider him to be a great professional that will help our team both on and off the court.”

Kidd, 6-4, 212-pounds, holds career averages of 13.0 points, 9.0 assists. 6.4 rebounds and 1.95 steals over 36.6 minutes in 1,315 games (1.302 starts) over 18 seasons with Dallas, Phoenix and New Jersey. He appeared in 146 postseason games (all starts), averaging 13.9 points, 8.5 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 1.99 steals over 40.0 minutes. He led the Dallas Mavericks, along with teammate and current Knicks center Tyson Chandler, to the 2011 NBA Championship and won Gold Medals at the 2000 and 2008 Summer Olympics games in Sydney and Beijing, respectively. As a member of the New Jersey Nets, Kidd appeared in back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.

Kidd ranks second in NBA history in total assists (11,842) and total steals (2,559), third in three pointers (1,874) and eighth in assists per game (9.0). He is a 10-time All-Star (1996, 1998, 2000-04, 2007-08, 2010), including five starts (1996, 2000-02, 2008), a five-time All-NBA First-Team selection (1999-02, 2004) and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 2003. He was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team four times (1999, 2001, 2002, 2006) and Second Team five times (2000, 2003-05, 2007) and was the 1995 Co-Rookie of the Year.

The San Francisco, CA-native, averaged 6.2 points, 5.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.71 steals over 28.7 minutes in 48 games (all starts) with Dallas during 2011-12. He was originally selected by Dallas following his sophomore season at the University of California in the first round (second overall pick) of the 1994 NBA Draft.

Pistons sign second round pick Kim English

The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has signed second round draft selection Kim English to a contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

English, who was selected with the 44th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, played four seasons at Missouri and averaged 14.1 points (.521 FG), 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a senior. He scored in double figures in 26-of-35 games a year ago, including seven games with 20-plus points. English shot 45.9% from beyond the arc last season and shot better than 36.0% from three-point range in each of his four years with the Tigers. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors as a senior and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Big 12 Tournament. English averaged 11.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 24.2 minutes in 141 games at Missouri, shooting 39.4% (239-606 3FG) from three-point range for his career.