Utah Jazz sign Mehmet Okur to contract extension

Utah Jazz sign Mehmet Okur to contract extension

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed center Mehmet Okur to a multi-year contract extension which will take effect when his current contract expires following the 2009-10 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. ESPN.com had reported it would possibly be a two-year contract extension worth just under $21 million.

“Memo continues to be one of the key components of our team and we are certainly glad that we were able to reach this agreement,” said Utah Jazz General Manager Kevin O’Connor. “Signing him to a contract extension ensures us stability in our frontcourt.”

Okur (6-11, 263, Turkey), appeared in 72 games (all starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09, averaging 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. A seven-year NBA veteran, Okur finished the season second in points and second in total rebounds for the Jazz.

“We are excited that Memo has decided to remain with our franchise,” said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Not only has he become a fan favorite, but Memo has made Salt Lake his second home and the community has loved having him here.”

Originally signed by the Jazz as a free-agent on July 27, 2004, Okur has appeared in 388 out of a possible 410 regular season games with the Jazz over the past five seasons, averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game. A 2007 NBA All-Star, Okur owns the single-season Jazz record for most three-pointers made and attempted (129-336) in a season (2006-07), and ranks fourth on the franchise’s all-time list for three-pointers attempted (1129) and fifth for three-pointers made (430).

Memphis Grizzlies waive Jerry Stackhouse

The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard/forward Jerry Stackhouse, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

The 6-6, 218 pound swingman was acquired on July 9 as part of a four-team, eight-player trade also involving the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic.

The 13-year NBA veteran averaged 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 16.2 minutes in 10 games (one start) last season, his fifth with the Mavericks.  The two-time All-Star (2000, 2001) holds career averages of 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 33.4 minutes in 854 games (563 starts) with the Mavericks, the Washington Wizards, the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports: Stackhouse was due more than $7 million with the Mavericks next season. The Griz received enough money in the deal to buy out the $2 million Stackhouse is guaranteed in 2009-10.

Minnesota Timberwolves sign 2009 first round draft picks Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed 2009 first-round draft picks Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington. Flynn, a 6-0 guard from Syracuse, was the sixth overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft. Ellington, a 6-5 guard from North Carolina, was the 28th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

All NBA first round draft picks are guaranteed a contract should they decide to come right to the league, so this is standard.

In two seasons at Syracuse University, Flynn averaged 16.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists, including 17.4 points and 6.7 assists per game during his sophomore campaign.  Despite playing just two seasons for the Orange, Flynn ranked seventh in career assists. He started all 73 games of his Syracuse career, scoring in double figures in 64 contests. He set a school single-season record for minutes played with 1,418 this past season. Flynn was named to the All-Big East Second Team this past season, and was an AP All-America Honorable Mention. He was the Big-East co-Rookie of the Year in 2007-08.

In his three seasons at UNC, Ellington averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 115 games. He led the Tar Heels with 85 three-pointers in 2008-09, the fifth-best single-season total in school history. Ellington ranked third in the ACC in three-point percentage (.417) this past season. Ellington was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2009 Final Four as he helped lead UNC to the national title.

Both Flynn and Ellington are playing on the Wolves 2009 NBA Summer League Team, which takes to the court for the first time on Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m. (CDT).

Trail Blazers rookie Patrick Mills breaks right foot

Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Patrick Mills fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Thursday evening’s NBA Summer League practice session.

X-rays taken Thursday night revealed the fracture. Mills will see a specialist today, at which point a timetable for his return will be determined.

“You never want to see a player get injured, but it is especially heart wrenching to see a young man go down on his first day of camp,” said General Manager Kevin Pritchard. “We’ll do everything we can to help Patty get back on track to realize his NBA future.

Mills, 20, was selected by Portland with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft after playing two seasons at St. Mary’s (CA) College.

UPDATE: Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Patrick Mills will undergo surgery on Monday morning to repair the fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

Dr. Jay Crary will perform the surgery, and a timetable for his return will be determined after its completion.

Mills sustained the injury during Thursday evening’s NBA Summer League practice session.

Mills, 20, was selected by Portland with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft after playing two seasons at St. Mary’s (CA) College.

Houston Rockets hire Darryl Eto as Director of Strength and Conditioning

The Houston Rockets today announced the hiring of Darryl Eto to the newly created position of Director of Strength and Conditioning. Eto will work with current Strength and Conditioning Coach David Macha to design and implement individual strength, conditioning and nutritional programs for Rockets players. Recognized as an expert in the field of plyometrics, conditioning and speed training, Eto will be charged with overseeing all player training and physical performance development.

“We were fortunate to be able to hire Darryl away from his senior position at one of the top athlete performance institutes in the world,” said Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey. “He has attained very impressive results while working with world-class athletes throughout his career. His leadership and experience with the latest science and techniques will ensure the Rockets continue to have one of the best strength and conditioning programs in the NBA.”

Eto, who has refined his practice in applied anatomy, exercise physiology and biomechanics over the course of 25 years, joins the Rockets after spending nearly nine years as the Senior Performance Specialist at Athletes’ Performance in Tempe, Arizona. While working with the private training company, Eto developed and implemented performance training programs for professional, amateur and youth athletes in a wide array of sports. His experience with Athletes’ Performance included individual physical preparation for NBA Pre-Draft Camps, as well as working with current players on offseason programs.

Prior to his time with Athletes’ Performance, Eto served from 1997-99 as the Assistant Director of Research Development and Program Design at International Performance Institute in Bradenton, Florida. >From 1991-97, he was the Head Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Arizona. Eto began his career in 1986 as the Strength and Conditioning Coach/Physical Therapy Aide at Ather Sports Injury Clinic in Castro Valley, California.

Eto earned his master’s degree in exercise and sport science at the University of Arizona and graduated from California State University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and physical education. His certifications include National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, United States Weightlifting Federation Club Coach, USA Track and Field Level I Track and Field Coach and massage therapist. In addition, Eto took a foreign study tour in the science of strength and conditioning in Bulgaria and the USSR in June 1988.

Toronto Raptors sign 2009 first round draft pick DeMar DeRozan

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have signed first-round draft pick DeMar DeRozan (duh-MAR duh ROSE-ann) from the University of Southern California to his rookie scale contract. He is under contract through the 2010-11 season, with two team option years to follow. The Raptors selected DeRozan with the ninth overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

All NBA first round draft picks are guaranteed a contract should they come to the league, so this is standard.

DeRozan is expected to see his first action as a member of the Raptors during the Las Vegas Summer Pro League presented by EA Sports in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 10-19. The Raptors’ entry will open play Friday, July 10 versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

DeRozan, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, averaged 13.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in his lone season with the Trojans. He finished second on the team in field goal percentage (.523 – 8th in the Pac-10 Conference). His 485 points ranks third all-time for a USC freshman and his 201 rebounds ranks fourth.

DeRozan earned first-team Pac-10 All Freshman honours and was named Pac-10 Tournament MVP. He had 21 points and career-best 13 rebounds against UCLA in the tournament semifinal and a career-best 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting to lead the Trojans to a win over Arizona State in the tournament final.

As a senior at Compton High School (Compton, California), DeRozan earned first-team Parade All-America honours. He averaged 29.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.0 steals in his senior season leading Compton to consecutive Moore League championships.

Memphis Grizzlies renounce rights to Chris Mihm, Darius Miles and Mike Wilks

The Memphis Grizzlies have renounced their rights to free agents Chris Mihm, Darius Miles and Mike Wilks, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

Mihm, a 7-0, 265-pound center, averaged 2.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 5.8 minutes in 18 games last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Acquired by the Grizzlies along with cash considerations on Feb. 18 in exchange for a 2013 protected second round draft pick, Mihm did not appear in a game with Memphis and underwent successful right ankle surgery on March 3, ending his season.  The eight-year NBA veteran holds career averages of 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 436 games (256 starts) with the Lakers, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Miles, a 6-9, 235-pound forward, averaged 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 8.8 minutes in 34 games last season with Memphis, who originally signed him as a free agent on Dec. 13, 2008.  The seven-year NBA veteran owns career averages of 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 446 games (190 starts) with the Grizzlies, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Wilks, a 5-10, 180-pound guard, was acquired by the Grizzlies on Feb. 19 from the Orlando Magic along with Orlando’s 2009 first round draft pick (DeMarre Carroll, 27th overall), Adonal Foyle and cash considerations as a part of a three-team trade (also including the Houston Rockets) that sent Kyle Lowry and Brian Cook to Houston and Rafer Alston to Orlando.

After signing with the Magic as a free agent on Sept. 25, 2008, Wilks tore his ACL in his right knee in a preseason game on Oct. 16, 2008 and missed the entire regular season.  The seven-year NBA veteran holds career averages of 2.5 points and 1.2 assists in 229 games (11 starts) with the Atlanta Hawks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, the Cavaliers, the Seattle SuperSonics (twice), the Denver Nuggets and the Washington Wizards.

Per the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, a renounced player no longer counts toward team salary, so teams use renouncement to gain additional cap room. After renouncing a player, the team is still permitted to re-sign such player, but the team must either have enough salary cap room to fit the salary, or sign the player using the Minimum Salary exception. After renouncing a player, a team can still trade the player in a sign-and-trade agreement.

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Anderseon Varejao to multi-year contract

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Anderseon Varejao to multi-year contract

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Anderson Varejao has agreed to a multi-year contract with the team, Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry announced today. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Several media outlets had reported that the deal was going to be for six years and possibly up to or around $50 million total.

Varejao posted career bests in scoring (8.6), field goal percentage (.536), double-doubles (9), minutes per game (28.5) and starts (42) in 81 games played during the 2008-09 season. The 6-foot-11, 260-pounder also averaged 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. In his 42 starts, he increased his averages to 9.9 points on .542 shooting and 7.7 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game.

“We are very happy to announce that we have agreed to a multi-year contract with Anderson.   From the start of free agency, Anderson made it clear he wanted to be a part of our future and that he loved being in Cleveland,” Ferry said.  “For us, we have been one of the better teams in the NBA the past four years. Andy has played an important role with our team during that time and continuity is important to us. He brings many valued contributions to our team on and off the court and plays with relentless passion and energy every play. He is an elite defender and we want to continue building our strong defensive identity.”

During the regular season, he finished second in the NBA in offensive fouls drawn (52). He was also selected as a member of USA Today’s 2009 All-Rambis Team.  Against Chicago on Jan. 2nd, he posted career highs in scoring (26), field goals made (9) and attempted (14) and free throws made (8) and attempted (13). He tied his career best in rebounding with 14 at Toronto on Feb. 18th and went a perfect 8-8 from the field on his way to an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double at Sacramento on March 13th. He scored in double figures on 30 occasions (the Cavs were 25-5 in those games) and topped the 10-rebound mark 15 times on the season.

Four-team trade sends Shawn Marion to Mavericks, Hedo Turkoglu to Raptors

Four-team trade sends Shawn Marion to Mavericks, Hedo Turkoglu to Raptors

The Orlando Magic have acquired a trade exception and cash considerations from the Toronto Raptors, and cash considerations from the Dallas Mavericks as part of a four-team trade, General Manager Otis Smith announced today.  As part of a sign-and-trade deal, forward Hedo Turkoglu was traded to Toronto.

“This move allows us some potential flexibility in the future,” said Smith. “Hedo was a big part of our success and did a lot for our organization during his five seasons here.  We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”

Also included as parts of the deal – Toronto sends Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, Nathan Jawai and cash considerations to Dallas, while also sending a future second round draft pick to Memphis; Memphis sends Greg Buckner to Dallas; Dallas sends Jerry Stackhouse and cash considerations to Memphis, while also sending Devean George and Antoine Wright to Toronto.

TRADE SUMMARY

Orlando Magic get: Trade exception and cash considerations from the Toronto Raptors, and cash considerations from the Dallas Mavericks

Toronto Raptors get: Hedo Turkoglu, Devean George and Antoine Wright

Dallas Mavericks get: Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, Nathan Jawai and cash considerations, Greg Buckner (from Memphis)

Memphis Grizzlies get: Future second round draft pick from Dallas, Jerry Stackhouse and cash considerations (from Dallas)

InsideHoops.com gets: Love and admiration from all basketball fans.

MORE ON EACH PLAYER

Marion (6-7, 215) is a 10-year veteran that holds career averages 17.8 points and 9.9 rebounds to go along with 2.0 assists, 1.83 steals, 1.31 blocks and 37.9 minutes in 745 games (730 starts). He has finished the season with a double-double average four times in his career with the most recent being in 2007-08 when he averaged 15.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 63 games.

Marion has been named All-NBA Third Team two times (2005, 2006) and was a four-time All-Star with the Phoenix Suns (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007). He has appeared in 65 postseason contests averaging 17.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.52 blocks and 1.49 steals in 40.6 minutes. Marion has advanced to the Western Conference Finals two times and, in his most recent trip, fell to the Mavericks in 2006 as a member of the Suns. He was also a member of the bronze-medal winning Team USA at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Humphries (6-9, 235) is a former University of Minnesota standout drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 14th overall pick in the 2004 Draft. He holds career averages of 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 288 games. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds last season before fracturing his right fibula on Jan. 18 vs. Phoenix. Prior to his injury, Humphries was coming off his best year as a pro in 2007-08 when he averaged career highs of 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 13.7 minutes in a career-high 70 games.

Jawai (6-10, 280) just completed his rookie season for the Raptors seeing action in six contests. The Australian center scored his first career field goal on Feb. 18 vs. Cleveland. Jawai, the 41st overall pick of the Indiana Pacers in 2008, spent most of last season with the Idaho Stamped of the NBA Development League where he averaged 11.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in 24.0 minutes a game. No stranger to Texas, Jawai played one season of college basketball at Midland (Texas) College in 2006-07 where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 23.9 minutes a game.

Buckner (6-4, 210), a 10-year veteran out of Clemson, will be returning to Dallas for a third time. Originally a second-round draft choice of the Mavericks in 1998, Buckner played in Dallas from 1999-2002 before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent. The native of Hopkinsville, Ky., returned to the Mavericks in 2006 when he signed as a free agent before getting traded to Minnesota before the start of the 2007-08 campaign. The veteran guard holds career averages of 5.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 570 games.

New York Knicks sign 2009 first round draft pick Toney Douglas

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that guard Toney Douglas has been signed to a contract. Douglas was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 29th overall selection before having his draft rights traded to New York in exchange for a 2011 second-round draft pick and cash considerations.

All NBA first round draft picks are guaranteed a contract should they want one, so this signing is standard.

Douglas, 6-1, 225-pounds, averaged 21.5 points for Florida State University in his senior year and was the runner-up for the ACC Player of the Year award. The Tampa, FL-native was an All-ACC First Team selection and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He also led the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998 and to the championship game of the ACC Tournament for the first time in school history.

Douglas is expected to play for the Knicks’ entry in the 2009 NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports in Las Vegas, NV from July 14-19.