NBA News Blog – Page 783 – NBA Blog

Wizards sign Paul Pierce

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed forward Paul Pierce.

“We are very happy to welcome Paul to our organization and add his championship experience and history of clutch play to our team,” said Grunfeld. “He will be a good fit alongside our young, dynamic backcourt while his presence and leadership will make a difference for us both on and off the court.”

Pierce, a 10-time NBA All-Star, joins the Wizards with career averages of 21.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting .447 from the field, .370 from three-point range and .807 from the line in 1,177 career games with Boston and Brooklyn. He currently ranks as the 18th leading scorer in NBA history (25,031 points) and ranks fourth among active players in NBA scoring history (behind only Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett). The 6-7 forward also ranks fifth all-time in NBA history in three-point field goals made (1,935) and fourth all-time in NBA history in three-point field goals attempted (5,228).

In addition to his regular season history, Pierce brings 148 games of postseason experience to Washington. He led Boston to the 2008 NBA Championship, earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, and helped them return to the 2010 Finals. Pierce holds career postseason averages of 20.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals. His 3,007 points ranks him 23rd in NBA playoff history (seventh among active players) while his 148 games ranks him ninth among active players.

Pierce was originally drafted by Boston with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. He finished his Celtics career ranked among the storied franchise’s all-time leaders in several categories, including free throws made and attempted (first), points scored, points per game and field goals attempted (second), games played, minutes played and field goals made (third), assists (fourth) and rebounds (seventh). He stands with Larry Bird and John Havlicek as the only players in Celtics history to score 20,000 points.

Boston traded Pierce to Brooklyn as part of a nine-player deal on July 12, 2013. He averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting .451 from the floor and .373 from three-point range in 75 games for the Nets last season.

Raptors sign James Johnson

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have signed free-agent forward James Johnson.

“We are happy to have James return to our club,” said Raptors President and General Manager Masai Ujiri. “He provides us with size at small forward and gives us additional depth up front.”

Johnson, 6-foot-9, 245 pounds, originally joined the Raptors on February 22, 2011 in a trade with the Chicago Bulls. In 87 games (65 starts) from 2010-12, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 26.0 minutes in a Toronto uniform. He contributed 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 28.0 minutes starting all 25 of his outings in 2010-11. In 2011-12, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 25.2 minutes in 62 appearances (40 starts).

A product of Wake Forest, Johnson was selected in the first round by Chicago in the 2009 NBA Draft. In 271 career games with Chicago, Toronto, Sacramento and Memphis, he has averaged 6.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 18.4 minutes.

Raptors re-sign Greivis Vasquez

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have re-signed restricted free-agent guard Greivis Vasquez.

“Greivis’ passion for the Raptors and Toronto is wonderful,” said Raptors President and General Manager Masai Ujiri. “He is a versatile player who provides us with energy and depth.”

In 61 appearances with Toronto during the 2013-14 campaign, Vasquez averaged 9.5 points, 3.7 assists and 21.5 minutes. He upped his averages to 16.4 points, 5.6 assists and 37.2 minutes in his five starts for the Raptors.

Vasquez, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, was acquired December 9, 2013 in a seven-player trade with Sacramento. He paced the Raptors in bench points in 25 contests. He tallied a season-high 26 points in a start April 5 at Milwaukee making a career-best six three-pointers on eight attempts.

Vasquez added averages of 10.1 points and a team-best 5.1 assists in the club’s playoff series against Brooklyn. He scored in double figures on three occasions, including a high of 18 points in the opening game.

A 2010 first-round pick by Memphis out of the University of Maryland, Vasquez has averaged 9.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 24.0 minutes in 293 regular season games with Memphis, New Orleans, Sacramento and Toronto.

Wizards land DeJuan Blair

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has acquired center DeJuan Blair from Dallas. Washington will send Dallas the rights to Emir Preldzic, a 2009 second round draft pick, who was acquired in the three-team Antawn Jamison trade in February of 2010.

“DeJuan gives us a tough inside presence who can score and rebound at both frontcourt positions,” said Grunfeld. “His addition makes our bench even deeper and will allow us to be flexible with our lineups.”

In five seasons with San Antonio and Dallas, Blair has appeared in 366 career regular season games (179 starts) while averaging 7.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game.
He has shot .529 from the field and has 36 career double-doubles. His most productive season was in 2010-11 when he averaged 8.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game. Last season with Dallas, Blair appeared in 78 games (13 starts) and averaged 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game.

The former Pittsburgh standout has appeared in 42 career postseason games with San Antonio and Dallas. During the 2014 playoffs with the Mavericks, the 6-7 big averaged 6.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, helping Dallas force San Antonio to seven games in the first round. He holds career playoff averages of 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per contest. Blair signed with Dallas as a free agent on August 7, 2013. He was originally selected by San Antonio in the second round (37th overall) of the 2009 NBA Draft.

Thunder sign Anthony Morrow

The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed free agent guard Anthony Morrow to a contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

“Anthony Morrow has demonstrated that he is amongst the most consistent and efficient three point shooters in the NBA over his career, and we are pleased to welcome him to Oklahoma City and the Thunder organization,” Presti said. “With his body of work, we feel Anthony is a unique addition to a diverse roster, while also possessing the toughness and selflessness that we are consistently seeking in Thunder players.”

Morrow (6-5, 210), shot 45.1 percent from three-point range last season (4th in the NBA) while averaging 8.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 18.8 minutes in a career-high 76 games (nine starts) with New Orleans.

An undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech, Morrow shot an NBA-best 46.7 percent during the 2008-09 season becoming the first rookie in NBA history to lead the league in three-point field goal percentage. The six-year NBA veteran owns career averages of 10.4 points on 42.8 percent shooting from three-point range (3rd highest amongst active NBA players), 2.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 23.7 minutes in 373 games (129 starts) with Golden State, New Jersey, Atlanta, Dallas and New Orleans.

Boston Celtics re-sign Avery Bradley

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guard Avery Bradley to a multi-year contract.

“We see Avery as a key part of our chase of Banner 18,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. “He keeps getting better and is still far from reaching his ceiling. We’re ecstatic to have him back.”

Bradley, a 6’2” guard, is coming off a breakout 2013-14 season where he recorded career-highs in points per game (14.9), rebounds per game (3.8), minutes (1855), field goals made (361), three-pointers made (79) and free throws made (90). Bradley tied a career-high for points in a game when he notched 28 points against Brooklyn on March 21. He recorded his first career double-double when he recorded 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against New York on December 8. Selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Bradley recorded his 1,000th career points in the opening game of the season against Toronto on October 30. He led the Celtics in scoring in 17 games and recorded 20 or more points in 16 contests.

Thunder sign-and-trade Thabo Sefolosha to Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks completed a sign-and-trade deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder that will bring guard/forward Thabo Sefolosha to Atlanta, as well as the draft rights to Giorgos Printezis, in exchange for the draft rights to Sofoklis Schortsanitis, it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ferry.

“Thabo is an unselfish, competitive and playoff-tested player, and does many things well on both sides of the ball,” Ferry said. “He also fills a need, giving us more size and depth at the wing position. He’s been a part of winning programs and will fit our culture well.”

Sefolosha, 30, played and started in 61 games last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 6.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.0 minutes (.415 FG%, .768 FT%). In his eight-year career, Sefolosha has appeared in 551 games with the Thunder and Bulls (407 starting assignments) and has averaged 5.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 23.4 minutes (.442 FG%, .348 3FG%, .746 FT%). He was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive second team in 2009-10.

He has also played in 78 playoff games, starting 67, averaging 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 19.9 minutes.

Sefolosha was originally selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 13th overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, and was traded to Chicago in exchange for the draft right to Rodney Carney, a second-round pick and cash considerations. He spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Bulls before going to the Thunder on February 19, 2009 in exchange for a first-round pick.

The native of Vevey, Switzerland has also played for Tege Riviera Basket (Switzerland), Elan Chalon (France) and Angelico Biella (Italy). He also played briefly for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey in 2011.

Printezis was originally selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round (58th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft. He currently plays for Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece.

Atlanta acquired the draft rights to Schortsanitis from the Los Angeles Clippers on July 30, 2012 in a sign-and-trade transaction for Willie Green, after he was originally selected by the Clippers in the second round (34th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. He currently plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

Heat officially re-sign Dwyane Wade

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-signed guard Dwyane Wade.

“Dwyane has been the franchise cornerstone for this team since the day he arrived 11 years ago,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He has shown his commitment to the HEAT many times over the course of his career and has always been willing to sacrifice in order to help build this team into a champion. This time is no different. I am ecstatic to have him back in the fold and I am confident that Dwyane, as always, will be leading this team as we look to contend for NBA Championships.”

Wade, a three-time NBA Champion, has played his entire 11-year NBA career with the HEAT, appearing in 719 regular season games (710 starts) averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.76 steals and 36.6 minutes while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. The 10-time NBA All-Star is the HEAT’s all-time leader in points (17,481), field goals made (6,276), free throws made (4,579), double-figure scoring efforts (691), assists (4,301), steals (1,262), starts, games played and minutes played (26,331). He also ranks among the HEAT’s all-time leaders in blocks (2nd, 696), double-doubles (4th, 116), total rebounds (4th, 3,605), defensive rebounds (4th, 2,669), offensive rebounds (5th, 936), field goal percentage (7th, .492) and three-point field goals made (8th, 350). Additionally, his 696 career blocks are the sixth-most by a guard in NBA history.

He appeared in 54 games (53 starts) last season and averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.46 steals and 32.9 minutes while shooting a career-high 54.5 percent from the field. He scored in double-figures 48 times, including 28 20-point games, while leading the team in steals 17 times, points and assists 13 times each and in rebounds on four occasions. He scored his 17,000th career point at New York on January 9 and earned NBA Player of the Week honors on December 22.

Wade, the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, has appeared in 152 career postseason games (all starts) and averaged 22.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.64 steals, 1.01 blocks and 38.9 minutes while shooting 47.8 percent from the field. He has appeared in 28 postseason series, the most by any player in HEAT history and his 153 career postseason blocks are the second-most by a guard in NBA playoff history. His 3,481 career postseason points are the 17th-most in NBA history, just 126 points shy from tying Wilt Chamberlain for 16th place on the league’s all-time list. Last postseason, Wade appeared in 20 games (all starts) and averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.50 steals and 34.7 minutes while shooting 50 percent from the field. He capped the 2014 postseason appearing in his fourth consecutive NBA Finals, helping Miami become just the third NBA franchise to make four-straight NBA Finals appearances.

Miami Heat sign forward James Ennis

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward James Ennis.

“We were excited to draft James a year ago and have been impressed by the growth of his game in Summer League and Puerto Rico, as well as his terrific experience in Australia, leading Perth to a championship,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “We are looking forward to the infusion of energy he will bring to our roster.”

Ennis, who was acquired by the HEAT in a draft night trade during the 2013 NBA Draft, spent last season with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian Basketball League appearing in 33 games (32 starts) and averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.42 steals and 31.7 minutes while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the foul line. He helped the team win the 2014 Australian Basketball League Championship and capped the season finishing third in MVP voting while being named Australiabasket.com’s All-Australian NBL Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, Import Player of the Year, First Team and All-Imports Team. Additionally, after his stint in Australia, Ennis appeared in 12 games (all starts) with Piratas de Quebradillas of the Puerto Rican National Superior Basketball League and averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.75 steals, 1.00 blocks and 33.6 minutes while shooting 47 percent from the field and 76.2 percent from the foul line.

This summer, Ennis has appeared in six Summer League games with the HEAT (all starts) and averaged 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.33 steals while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, 48.1 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line. He posted a 29-point, four-rebound, two-assist game in 25:33 minutes of action while shooting 10-of-12 from the field, 7-of-8 from three-point range and a perfect 2-of-2 from the foul line in a 110-91 win against the Brooklyn Nets on July 6. He previously spent the 2013 Summer League with the HEAT, appearing in 11 games (10 starts) and averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.45 steals while shooting 44 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from three-point range and 76.9 percent from the foul line.

Ennis was originally drafted in the second round (50th overall) by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Miami Heat sign Luol Deng

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Luol Deng.

According to multiple reports, the deal may be for two years, $20 million.

“Signing Luol Deng is one of the most important free agent signings that we have ever had in the history of the franchise,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He is a proven All-Star and quintessential team player, both as a scorer, as well as an All-NBA defender. He brings the attitude of a warrior and competes every single night against the very, very best. We are thrilled to welcome him to the HEAT family.”

Deng, a 10-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 677 career NBA regular season games (631 starts) and averaged 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 35.8 minutes while shooting 45.7 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from three-point range and 77.3 percent from the foul line. Among Chicago’s all-time franchise leaders, he ranks fourth in points, fifth in field goals made, sixth in games played and three-point field goals made and eighth in free throws made and offensive rebounds. The 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree also ranks among the Bulls all-time franchise defensive leaders, including fifth in defensive rebounds and steals, ninth in total rebounds and 10th in blocks.

The two-time NBA All-Star split the 2013-14 season between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 63 total games (all starts) and averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 35.1 minutes while shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from three-point range and 79.1 percent from the foul line. Prior to his trade to Cleveland on January 7, Deng was averaging a career-high 19.0 points per game and a career-best 3.7 assists per game. Additionally, he has appeared in 48 career postseason games (42 starts) and averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 40.3 minutes while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 74.9 percent from the foul line.

In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Deng is also involved in numerous charities, including the Luol Deng Foundation. For his philanthropic efforts, he earned the NBA’s 2013-14 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, was named the UN Refugee Agency’s 2008 Humanitarian of the Year and selected as the 2006-07 Golden Icon Best Sports Role Model. He also served as ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games and won the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award in 2007.

Deng, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, was originally selected in the first round (7th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft.