Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Wizards sign guard Roger Mason

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

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

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.

Pistons re-sign forward Jonas Jerebko

Jonas Jerebko

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the team has re-signed forward Jonas Jerebko.  Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to announce the re-signing of Jonas Jerebko,” said Dumars. “Jonas has worked extremely hard over the last two years and has shown his commitment to this organization.  He is an important part of our young core group of players and we’re excited to have him as part of our roster going forward.”

Jerebko missed all of the 2010-11 season with a partially ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered in the first preseason game at Miami (10/5).  He played in 80 games (73 starts) in 2009-10, averaging 9.3 points (.481 FG, .313 3FG), 6.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.99 steals and 27.9 minutes.   Among NBA rookie leaders, Jerebko ranked 10th in scoring, third in rebounds, eighth in steals and fifth in minutes on his way to earning NBA All-Rookie-Second-Team honors.  He was also selected as a member of the Rookie Team as part of the 2010 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam at NBA All-Star 2010.

A second-round pick (39th overall in 2009) from Kinna, Sweden, Jerebko was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February 2010 after averaging 10.2 points (.564 FG), 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 13 games.  He became the fifth rookie in franchise history, and the first Pistons’ second-round pick, to win the award joining Isiah Thomas, Kelly Tripucka, Grant Hill and Zeljko Rebraca.  He tallied a team-high-tying seven double-doubles and led the Pistons in rebounding 14 times.

Lakers sign Jason Kapono

Jason Kapono

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent guard/forward Jason Kapono, it was announced today.  Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

Kapono, an eight-year NBA veteran, comes to the Lakers with the sixth highest career three-point field goal percentage (.437) in NBA history.  A two-time winner of the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout during All-Star Weekend in 2007 and 2008, Kapono was also a member of the NBA Champion Miami Heat in 2006-07, leading the NBA with a .514 three-point field goal percentage that currently ranks as the sixth-highest single season total in NBA history.

Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round (31st overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft after concluding his four-year college career at UCLA ranked third on the Bruins’ all-time scoring list, Kapono has played in 482 career NBA games with Cleveland, Charlotte, Miami, Toronto and Philadelphia, averaging 6.9 points (.443 FG%, .437 3FG%), 1.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 18.3 minutes.

Orlando Magic sign rookies Justin Harper and DeAndre Liggins

 The Orlando Magic have signed rookie forward Justin Harper and rookie guard DeAndre Liggins, President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Otis Smith announced today.  Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.  Both players will participate in training camp, which begins later this evening.

Harper (6’10”, 225, 8/30/89) was selected in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft by Cleveland.  He was acquired on Draft night (June 23) by Orlando in exchange for two future second round draft picks.  Harper appeared in 137 career games at the University of Richmond, averaging 10.6 ppg. and 4.8 rpg. in 22.9 minpg. during his collegiate career.  He also shot .382 (179-468) from three-point range.  As a senior (2010-11), Harper played in 37 games, averaging 17.9 ppg., 6.9 rpg., 1.2 apg. and 1.2 blkpg. in 31.8 minpg.  He was named First Team All-Atlantic 10, leading the Spiders in both scoring and rebounding.  Harper scored 20-plus points 14 times, including a career-high 30 points against George Washington.

Harper left Richmond ranked fifth all-time in school history with 179 three-pointers made.  He also ranks seventh all-time with 113 blocked shots and 11th all-time with 1,457 points.

Liggins (6’6”, 209, 3/31/88) was selected in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft by Orlando.  He appeared in 100 career games at the University of Kentucky, averaging 5.8 ppg., 3.0 rpg. and 2.1 rpg. in 21.9 minpg. during his collegiate career.  As a junior (2010-11), Liggins played in 38 games, averaging 8.6 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 2.5 apg. and 1.2 stlpg. in 31.6 minpg.  He also shot .391 (36-92) from three-point range.

Liggins was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2010-11, and was also named to the NCAA East Region All-Tournament Team, helping the Wildcats reach the 2011 NCAA Final Four.  Kentucky also reached the Elite Eight during Liggins’ sophomore season (2009-10).

Mavericks sign forward Brandan Wright

Brandan Wright

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed free agent forward Brandan Wright. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wright (6-10, 210) is a former first round draft pick (eighth overall) and joins the Mavericks as a free agent from the New Jersey Nets. Wright was traded to New Jersey last February from the Golden State Warriors, where he began his career in 2007. He holds career averages of 5.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 12.6 minutes in 114 career games with 31 starts.

Wright was a standout at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he started all 37 games as a freshman and was named Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and All-ACC Second Team. He was an early-entry candidate into the 2007 NBA Draft and was the eighth overall pick by the Charlotte Bobcats. Wright was acquired by Golden State in a draft-day trade in exchange for Jason Richardson and the draft rights to Jermareo Davidson.

A native of Nashville, Tenn., Wright was a two-time Parade All-American and was the first athlete in the state ever to earn “Mr. Tennessee” honors three times. He also led Brentwood Academy to four consecutive state championships.

Nets sign rookies MarShon Brooks and Jordan Williams

The New Jersey Nets have signed first round draft pick MarShon Brooks and second round draft pick Jordan Williams, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.  Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not released.

Brooks (6’5”/200), was drafted by Boston in the first round (25th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft and then traded to New Jersey in exchange for the rights to the 27th pick, JuJuan Johnson, and the Nets’ 2014 second round pick on June 23, 2011. As a senior at Providence College, Brooks was named Third Team AP All-America and was a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award. He was also a First Team All-Big East selection and scored a Big East record 52 points vs. No. 9 Notre Dame, converting a league-record 20 field goals. The 52 points tied Jimmer Fredette’s performance vs. New Mexico for the most in Division I in 2010-11. Brooks averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks in 32 contests for the Friars.

Williams (6’10”/260) was drafted by New Jersey in the second round (36th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft. As a sophomore at Maryland, he led the ACC in rebounding (11.8 rpg), ranking third nationally, and was second in Division I with 25 double-doubles, establishing a school record. A First-Team All-ACC pick and an AP All-America Honorable Mention choice, Williams was a midseason candidate for the Wooden and Naismith awards and was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team as a freshman. He is only the third Terp freshman in history with 250 points and 250 boards (Joe Smith, Buck Williams).