Versatile Belinelli fills void for Raptors
Italian's shooting, scoring strengths at wing needed, says GM
Last Updated: Thursday, July 30, 2009 | 2:42 PM ET
CBC Sports
New Raptor Marco Belinelli averaged 8.9 points and 21 minutes in 42 games last season. The Toronto Raptors have filled a need at the wing position for minimal cost.
The NBA team announced Thursday it had acquired shooting guard Marco Belinelli from the Golden State Warriors for cash considerations and forward Devean George, who never played a game in Toronto.
"Marco fills a void at the wing position where his shooting and scoring strengths will be needed," Raptors president Bryan Colangelo said in a statement. "Marco's versatility and playmaking abilities make him a very valuable piece for us."
Colangelo also secured free-agent centre Rasho Nesterovic for one year and $2 million US on Thursday.
Belinelli, 23, averaged 8.9 points, 2.1 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 21 minutes in 42 games last season, his second in the NBA.
The Warriors deemed him expendable following the acquisitions of Speedy Claxton and Acie Law in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks and the drafting of Stephen Curry (seventh overall) on June 25.
Golden State likes the versatility of the 31-year-old George, a 10-year NBA veteran who played the previous three seasons with Dallas. Last season, he averaged 3.4 points in 16.5 minutes for the Mavericks.
Nesterovic, 33, rejoins the Raptors after spending a season in Indiana.
From 2006 to 2008, he averaged 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 151 contests for Toronto.
"Rasho brings us a great veteran presence who has a familiarity with our coaching staff and several players," said Colangelo. "His leadership and personality will be great assets for this team."
With files from The Canadian PressShare Tools
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