NBA News Blog – Page 1158 – NBA Blog

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.

Kings re-sign guard Marcus Thornton

The Sacramento Kings today re-signed restricted free agent guard Marcus Thornton to a multi-year contract, according to Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re really excited that we were able to re-sign Marcus Thornton and have him come back and build off of the great contribution that he made to the team last season,” said Petrie. “He’s a young and exciting player who has a lot of competitive drive. He’ll team with Tyreke (Evans) and Jimmer (Fredette) and be part of a terrific, young backcourt. We’re very upbeat about the future potential for improvement and the opportunity to watch him play for the Kings again.”

Thornton, who was acquired by the Kings from New Orleans at the NBA trade deadline last season in exchange for Carl Landry, is entering his third NBA season. He averaged 21.3 points (.450 FGs, .361 3FGs, .805 FTs), 4.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.67 steals per game in 27 contests last year for Sacramento, of which he started 23. Thornton averaged 21.3 points (.441 FGs, .354 3FGs, .810 FTs), 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.65 steals per game in 23 outings as a starter for the Kings. He has recorded career averages of 13.6 points (.443 FGs, .371 3FGs, .801 FTs), 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game over 146 contests with New Orleans and Sacramento, of which he started 40. Thornton has posted career highs of 42 points versus Golden State (3/14/11), 11 rebounds (twice), nine assists at Minnesota (3/20/11) and six steals versus Oklahoma City (4/11/11). He tallied 29 points (9-16 FGs, 1-4 3FGs, 10-12 FTs) in his first game at ARCO Arena as a King, scoring the most points off the bench in a home debut for the Kings in the Sacramento era.

“I’m very excited to be back with Sacramento,” said Thornton. “I’m really ready to get this season going and pick up where we left off. This is a good fit for me with my teammates and coaching staff. I enjoy the city of Sacramento and the fans are great.”

Selected by New Orleans with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Thornton was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 14.5 points (.451 FGs, .374 3FGs, .814 FTs), 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in 73 outings, of which he started 17. Among rookies, he ranked fourth in scoring and sixth in free throw percentage. Thornton set a rookie record with 117 three-pointers made in a season. He tied the Hornets’ franchise record for the most points scored by a rookie when he scored 37 points at Cleveland (2/23/10), while also setting a franchise record for the most points scored in a quarter with 23 (2nd quarter).

“Marcus impressed us greatly last year and we just couldn’t wait to re-sign him,” explained Kings’ head coach Paul Westphal. “We made that a high priority and never felt it was in doubt. We’re really pleased to have one of the fine, young shooting guards in the league to be on our team for several years to come. It’s a great fit for him and us and was a high priority on our behalf.”

Thornton was named SEC Player of the Year following his senior season at Louisiana State University, capping an impressive two-year career for the Tigers. He spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Kilgore Community College.

Wizards sign guard Roger Mason

The Washington Wizards announced today that they have signed free agent guard Roger Mason.

“Roger is a solid veteran presence who can give us quality production and shooting on the court and valuable leadership in the locker room and in the community,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “We are obviously very familiar with him from his previous two seasons here and are thrilled to have him return to his hometown.”

Mason has appeared in 372 games over seven NBA seasons in stints with Chicago, Toronto, Washington, San Antonio and New York, compiling career averages of 6.9 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting .380 from the three-point line. The D.C. native averaged 6.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 142 games for the Wizards during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. Mason, originally a second round (31st overall) draft selection by the Chicago Bulls in 2002, averaged career highs of 11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while posting a career-high .421 mark from three-point range with the Spurs during the 2008-09 season.

Pistons re-sign forward Tayshaun Prince

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the team has re-signed free agent forward Tayshaun Prince. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to have Tayshaun Prince returning to our organization,” said Dumars. “Tayshaun has proved himself as one of the most talented and consistent small forwards in the NBA. His knowledge of the game and defensive presence is an asset for our team.”

Prince appeared in 78 games (all starts) last season averaging 14.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32.8 minutes per game. He recorded his sixth 1,000-point season and played in 75-plus games for the seventh time in his nine-year career. Prince scored a season-high 31 points versus the New York Knicks (11/18/10) including a career-high-tying 13 field goals made. He also scored in double figures a team-leading 66 times, scored 20-plus points 12 times and recorded two 30-plus point outings.

Prince, 31, holds career averages of 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 33.4 minutes in 661 NBA games. He’s played in 75-plus games in seven of his nine seasons, including six seasons where he played all 82 games. The 6-foot-9 forward had the franchise’s third-longest consecutive games played streak snapped during the 2009-10 season (497 games) and has played in 661 of a possible 738 games over his career. Drafted by Detroit with the 23rd pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Prince ranks sixth in his draft class in career points per game average behind only Amar′e Stoudemire (21.9), Yao Ming (19.0), Carlos Boozer (17.3), Caron Butler (16.6) and Luis Scola (14.3). He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team four times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008). A key member of the Pistons’ 2004 NBA Championship team, Prince was a member of the USA Senior National Team that recorded a 10-0 record and won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in 2007 and went 8-0 to win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Hornets add nine players to training camp

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed nine free agents (Brian Butch, Justin Dentmon, Jerome Dyson, Moses Ehambe, Carldell Johnson, Trey Johnson, DaJuan Summers, Lance Thomas and Terrico White). Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not released. The addition of the players puts the training camp roster at 15 thus far.

Butch (6-11, 240) sat out the 2010-11 season with a knee injury sustained last summer as a member of the Denver Nuggets. Butch has NBA experience with the Memphis Grizzlies summer league team and the Boston Celtics veteran minicamp, but has never appeared in a game. The Wisconsin product has played professionally in Greece, Spain, China and Germany during his career. During the 2009 season, he played for the Bakersfield Jam averaging 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds earning a spot on the D-League Western Conference All-Star Team where he was named MVP.

Dentmon (5-11, 185) played in 50 games (35 starts) for the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League last season averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds. The University of Washington product was selected as a member of the 2011 USA Men’s Basketball team that took home a Bronze medal in the Pan American Games this fall.

Dyson (6-3, 180) has appeared in six games (all starts) for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA D-League this season averaging 19.7 points, 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds. During the 2010-11 season with the 66ers, the UCONN product played in 47 games (10 starts) averaging 15.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Ehamber (6-6, 215) has played in 125 career games in the NBA D-League over four seasons with Tulsa, Iowa and Austin. This season, the Oral Roberts product has averaged 21.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in six games (all starts). Ehamber finished last season with the Toros, averaging 10.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 10 games.

Trey Johnson (6-5, 218) has played in 12 games over three seasons in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers with averages of 3.2 points and 0.9 assists. He appeared in three playoff games for the Lakers in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, averaging 1.0 points and 1.3 rebounds. In 10 preseason games with the Hornets and Lakers, the Jackson State product averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds. He has spent the majority of his professional career with the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA D-League. In 114 career games (92 starts) with the Jam, Johnson has averaged 20.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

Carldell Johnson (5-10, 180) has appeared in 195 career games (102 starts) with the Austin Toros of the NBA D-League since 2007, averaging 8.0 points and 4.4 assists. In four games this season with Austin, he is averaging 14.8 points and 4.8 assists. The New Orleans native appeared in 46 games (all starts) for the Toros last season, averaging 12.3 points and a career-high 6.0 assists.

Summers (6-8, 240) was drafted in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft (35th overall) by the Detroit Pistons. In 66 career games (one start) he has averages of 3.2 points and 1.0 rebounds in 9.2 minutes with Detroit. The Georgetown product signed with Montepaschi Siena in Italy in July of 2011, but parted ways with the team in October after averaging 4.0 points in four games with the team.

Thomas (6-8, 225) played for the Austin Toros of the NBA D-League the last two seasons. The Duke product averaged 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in four games this season for Austin. In the 2010-11 season, he averaged 12.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 46 games.

White (6-5, 213) was drafted in the second round (36th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. In his first preseason appearance, White fractured his right foot and missed the remainder of his rookie season. The Ole Miss product averaged 15.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 35 games (34 starts) his sophomore season in Oxford before declaring for the NBA Draft.

76ers will re-sign forward Thaddeus Young

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that the team has reached a tentative agreement with free agent forward Thaddeus Young. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 23-year-old Young is entering his fifth NBA season.

“We are very happy to have reached a tentative agreement with Thaddeus, who we consider to be an integral part of our long-term plans,” Sixers President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said. “Thad has thrived in his role under Coach Collins and we are happy to have him back with the Sixers.”

Young (6-8, 220) was the 12th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Sixers. In 298 career games with 139 starts, he is averaging 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.15 steals in 28.2 minutes per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor, 33.8% from 3-point range and 71.6% from the line.

This past season, Young appeared in all 82 games, averaging 12.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game. He ranked ninth in the NBA in field goal percentage (54.1% FGs) and 16th in steals per turnover (0.91). For his career, Young has 344 steals to just 407 turnovers.

Young also finished third in voting for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award last season and had the highest point/rebound/assist total of any reserve. The Sixers were 12-3 when he scored 20-plus points in 2010-11.