NBA Teams – Page 1219 – NBA Blog

Miami Heat re-sign Chris Andersen

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-signed forward/center Chris Andersen.

“We are ecstatic that Chris Andersen has decided to stay with the Miami HEAT,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “We would not have won the championship without him and we are looking forward to him having an even better season next year.”

Andersen appeared in 42 regular season games with the HEAT last season, helping Miami to a 39-3 record (.929) over that span, marking the highest winning percentage by any player in NBA history playing in at least 40 games during a single season. The 11-year NBA veteran averaged 4.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.05 blocks and 14.9 minutes while shooting 57.7 percent from the field. Additionally, he appeared in 20 postseason games during the HEAT’s championship run and averaged 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.10 blocks and 15.2 minutes while shooting 80.7 percent (46-of-57) from the field, becoming the first player in NBA postseason history to take at least 35 shots and shoot better than 75 percent from the field. He also connected on a perfect 7-of-7 from the field vs. Indiana during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 22, marking the most made field goals without a miss during a single postseason game in HEAT franchise history.

“I’m excited to be back with the HEAT,” said Chris Andersen. “I believe we have an opportunity to repeat and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Andersen was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the HEAT on January 20, 2013 and then re-signed to a second 10-day contract on January 30 before signing for the remainder of the season on February 8.

Warriors pick up option on coach Mark Jackson for 2014-15 season

The Golden State Warriors have picked up the team option on Head Coach Mark Jackson’s contract for the 2014-15 season, the team announced today.

This past season, his second as head coach of the Warriors, Jackson guided his team to a 47-35 regular-season record, finishing second in the Pacific Division and earning the sixth seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. In doing so, he became just the fourth Warriors head coach since 1970 to lead a team into the postseason, joining Alvin Attles, George Karl and Don Nelson. Additionally, Jackson became the first Warriors coach to win at least 47 games in his second full campaign at the helm since 1971-72, when Attles directed Golden State to a 51-31 record during his second full season as head coach.

After finishing 2011-12 with a 23-43 record during Jackson’s debut campaign, the Warriors posted the second-highest winning percentage improvement in the NBA this past season, improving from .348 to .573 in 2012-13 – an improvement of +.225 that was bested only by the Brooklyn Nets (+.266). This winning percentage improvement also marks the third-largest year-over-year improvement in franchise history, trailing only the +.280 improvement made from 1987-88 (.244) to 1988-89 (.524) and the +.229 improvement made from 1952-53 (.174) to 1953-54 (.403).

Since being named head coach of the Warriors on June 6, 2011, Jackson has placed an emphasis on defense and rebounding – two areas where the team had been traditionally weak. To that end, Golden State saw major statistical improvements this past season in several important defensive categories, including opponents’ field goal percentage (fourth in NBA; 20th in 2011-12), opponents’ three-point percentage (seventh; 28th in 2011-12), defensive rebounding (first; 24th in 2011-12) and rebounds per game (third; 28th in 2011-12).

In the 2013 NBA Playoffs, Jackson’s squad posted a First Round victory over the Denver Nuggets in six games, becoming just the second Warriors team to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals in the last 22 years. In the Semifinals, Golden State won two of the first four games of the best-of-seven series against the San Antonio Spurs before falling to the eventual Western Conference Champions in six games, 4-2. In the Spurs series, the Warriors earned multiple wins in the Semifinals for the first time since 1977 and, in Game 2, posted their first road victory over the Spurs since February of 1997, snapping a 30-game losing streak in San Antonio.

Clippers re-sign Chris Paul, Matt Barnes, Ryan Hollins, and add Darren Collison

The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent forward Matt Barnes, guard Darren Collison, center Ryan Hollins and guard Chris Paul.

Paul, 28, re-signs with the Clippers after two scintillating seasons in L.A. The North Carolina native enjoyed another successful season in 2012-13, earning First Team All-NBA honors for the second straight season and his fifth overall All-NBA honor. Paul was the MVP of the 2013 All-Star Game and was also named a member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the second straight season. Paul appeared in 70 games (all starts) and averaged 16.9 points, 9.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.41 steals in 33.4 minutes. He led the league in steals per game and assists-to-turnover ratio while finishing second in the NBA in assists per game while leading the Clippers in assists, steals and free throws made. Paul earned the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month award for December after helping the Clippers to a 16-0 month and became the fourth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points and 5,000 career assists before his 28th birthday.

A six-time NBA All-Star, Paul played the first six seasons of his career in New Orleans and was the 2005-06 NBA Rookie of the Year. The former Wake Forest star owns career averages of 18.3 points, 9.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 555 career games.

Barnes, 33, returns to the Clippers after having a career year in Los Angeles last season. The 10-year NBA veteran averaged a career-high 10.3 points in 2012-13 to go along with 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 25.7 minutes in 80 games (four starts). The UCLA product has played for eight NBA teams in his career and holds career averages of 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.7 steals in 640 games (182 starts).

Collison, 25, is another former UCLA star and a native of Rancho Cucamonga, CA where he attended Etiwanda High School. Collison joins the Clippers after appearing in 81 games (47 starts) for the Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging 12.0 points, 5.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 29.3 minutes. The four-year veteran started his NBA career in New Orleans where he was teammates with current Clipper Chris Paul. Collison brings career averages of 12.1 points, 5.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 296 games (219 starts) with the Mavericks, Indiana Pacers and Hornets.

Hollins, 28, returns to the Clippers after posting averages of 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds over 11.1 minutes while playing in 60 games. A Pasadena, CA native and former standout at UCLA, Hollins owns career averages of 4.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 374 games (55 starts) with the Clippers, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Bobcats over his six-year career.

Pelicans trade Robin Lopez to Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired center Robin Lopez and guard Terrel Harris from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the draft rights to Jeff Withey, future second round draft considerations and cash, it was announced today by General Manager Neil Olshey.

Lopez, 25, averaged career-highs of 11.3 points (53.4 FG%), 5.6 rebounds, 1.56 blocked shots and 26.0 minutes in 82 starts last season with New Orleans.

“Robin is a starting-caliber center coming off the best year of his career,” said Olshey. “He fills a void at a position we made a priority this offseason, and his size, ability to protect the rim and emerging offensive game are all key elements in achieving our goal of having more of a presence in the paint on both ends of the floor this season.”

Lopez (7-0, 255) holds career averages of 7.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 17.4 minutes over five seasons with New Orleans and Phoenix. He spent his first four years with the Suns after being drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Stanford.

He will wear No. 42 for the Trail Blazers.

Harris, 25, played 20 games for Miami and New Orleans last season, posting averages of 0.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 6.9 minutes. Owning career averages of 2.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists in two NBA seasons, Harris (6-4, 195) appeared in four postseason games for Miami during the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Washington Wizards re-sign Martell Webster

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has re-signed forward Martell Webster.

“Martell’s versatility and shooting ability combined with his experience and leadership make him a valuable part of our team,” said Grunfeld. “We are very pleased to have him back both on the court and in the locker room and look forward to his continued contributions to our success.”

Webster averaged a career-high 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 28.9 minutes per game last season with the Wizards. He appeared in 76 contests, including 62 starts, while leading the team in three-point field goal percentage (.422) and three-pointers made with a career-high 139. He finished 12th in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage and tallied four games with at least five three-pointers made. The Seattle native posted seven games with 20+ points and scored a career-high 34 points, including a career high-tying seven threes, on March 16 vs. Phoenix. From March 9-16, Webster posted five straight games of at least four three-pointers made. He was originally signed as a free agent by the Wizards on August 29, 2012.

In eight seasons with Portland, Minnesota and Washington, Webster holds career averages of 8.9 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting .419 from the field, .384 from behind the arc and .787 from the line. He was originally selected by the Trail Blazers with the sixth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft as an early-entry candidate out of Seattle Prep High School.

Charlotte Bobcats waive Tyrus Thomas via amnesty clause

Charlotte Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins announced today that the team has requested waivers on forward Tyrus Thomas, designating him as the team’s amnesty player. The one-time amnesty provision allows a team to waive a player and not have his salary count against the salary cap or luxury tax.

The Bobcats originally acquired Thomas from the Chicago Bulls on February 18, 2010 in exchange for Acie Law, Ronald “Flip” Murray and a future first-round draft pick. Thomas appeared in 26 games with the team last season averaging 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.8 minutes.

A seven-year NBA veteran, the 6-10 Thomas has played in 400 career games with the Bulls and Bobcats, posting averages of 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 19.8 minutes.

Bobcats Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Bobcats and operates Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena.

Indiana Pacers re-sign David West

The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday they have re-signed veteran free agent and two-time NBA All-Star David West to a contract.

According to the Associated Press, “the contract is for three years and $36.6 million, according to his agent. The third year is a player option.”

West, 6-9, 240, is a 10-year veteran who has played the last two seasons with the Pacers, averaging 15.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 139 games. Prior to his time with the Pacers, West had played his entire NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets. He has career averages of 16.1 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game.

“We said when the season ended, bringing David back was our No. 1 priority and we are very pleased to have him back,” said Larry Bird, Pacers President of Basketball Operations. “He is a leader, he is a professional, he is a great competitor and he is the type of player and person you want on your team if you hope to be successful.”

West played in two All-Star games in 2008 and ’09. Those two seasons, he averaged 20.6 ppg and 8.9 rpg and 21 ppg and 8.5 rpg, respectively.

“You can watch David play and appreciate him, but to coach him and see what he brings to our team on a daily basis really enhances that appreciation,” said Pacers Head Coach Frank Vogel. “There aren’t many players like him in the NBA and to have him back on our team is very important for what we hope to accomplish.”

Lakers re-sign center Robert Sacre

The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed Robert Sacre, it was announced today.

Sacre, a 7-foot center out of Gonzaga University who serves as a backup off the bench, was selected by the Lakers in the second round (60th overall) of the 2012 NBA draft. In 32 games (three starts) with the Lakers last season, he averaged 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.3 minutes. Sacre also spent time with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development league during his rookie campaign, appearing in eight games and posting averages of 11.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.33 blocks in 32.8 minutes.

At Gonzaga, Sacre finished his career with the Bulldogs ranked second in school history with 186 blocked shots while averaging 9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.38 blocks in 135 games. As a senior, Sacre was named the 2012 WCC Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-WCC First-Team honoree while averaging 11.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.42 blocks in 26.3 minutes.

Wizards re-sign guard Garrett Temple

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has re-signed guard Garrett Temple.

“Garrett was a good addition to our backcourt rotation last season and we are happy to have him back to give us depth at both guard positions,” said Grunfeld. “His defensive ability, toughness and team-first attitude make him an excellent fit in our system and provide a great example of the culture we are building.”

Temple averaged career-highs of 5.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 51 games, including 36 starts, for the Wizards last season. The undrafted LSU product played 22.7 minutes per game while shooting .407 from the field and .703 from the line. He recorded nine games of 10+ points, including four consecutive double-digit outings from March 13-18. Temple tallied a career-high tying 17 points March 18 at Charlotte and posted eight points, a career-high 11 assists and seven rebounds January 4 vs. Brooklyn. He was originally signed by the Wizards as a free agent on December 25, 2012.

In 102 games (40 starts) with Houston, Sacramento, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Charlotte and Washington, Temple holds career averages of 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.9 minutes. He has shot .396 from the field and .654 from the line.

Charlotte Bobcats sign Al Jefferson

It took a while, but the Charlotte Bobcats finally have a big guy that can play some basketball.

Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins announced today that the team has signed free agent center Al Jefferson.

“We are ecstatic to add Al to our roster,” Higgins said. “He gives us a low post presence that we have not had on our roster and brings a skill set that does not become available very often. He is a veteran leader who helps his teammates get better, but at the same time he is only 28 years old so he can be part of the core of this franchise for several years to come.”

The 15th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, the 6-10 Jefferson has played in 628 games for the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz during his nine-year career. He has career averages of 16.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes, while shooting .500 from the field.

Jefferson is one of only two players in the NBA to have averaged at least 17.0 points and at least 9.0 rebounds in each of the last six seasons, joining Dwight Howard in doing so. No other player has posted those averages in more than four of the last six campaigns.

Over his last three seasons, all with Utah, Jefferson missed just nine regular season games, playing in 221 of a possible 230 contests. During that span, he averaged 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 blocks in 34.4 minutes, while shooting .494 from the field and .767 from the free-throw line. He has finished the season in the NBA’s top 10 in defensive rebounds in each of the three seasons and has been among the league’s top eight in field goals in each of the last two years.

Last season with the Jazz, Jefferson averaged 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steal in 33.1 minutes played. He led all NBA centers in field goals, ranked second among NBA centers in scoring average and ranked fourth among NBA centers in defensive rebounds, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.