Aug 7, 2008 8:24 pm US/Pacific
Clips Continue To Make Moves, Sign Jason Williams
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
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Jason Williams No. 55 of the Miami Heat moves the ball across the court during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 18, 2008, at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Issac Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired still another player during their busy offseason, signing free-agent point guard Jason Williams on Thursday.
The 32-year-old Williams averaged 8.8 points, 4.6 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 28 minutes in 67 appearances last season with the Miami Heat. His backcourt mate there was Ricky Davis, another free agent signed by the Clippers on July 28.
"We are excited to add Jason to our squad," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said in a statement. "He brings added veteran leadership and playoff experience to our backcourt."
Williams is a veteran of 10 NBA seasons, the last three with the Heat. He was a member of their 2006 league championship team.
In 679 regular-season games, he has averaged 11.4 points, 6.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds while playing for three different teams. He has appeared in 53 playoff games, averaging 9.8 points, 3.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds.
Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor called Williams "a terrific ball handler with great passing ability and court vision."
Williams' ranked eighth in the league last season with a 3.37 assists per turnover ratio, and 12th with a 0.91 steals per turnover ratio.
He was drafted by Sacramento in 1998 following his junior year at the University of Florida and was named to the 1999 NBA All-Rookie Team after he averaged 12.8 points and 6.0 assists. He has averaged scoring in double figures and at least five assists a game in eight of his 10 years in the league.
Williams moved to Memphis before the 2001-02 season and over the following four years became the Grizzlies' career leader in assists and 3-point attempts. He joined the Heat before the 2005-06 season.
Terms of his contract with Los Angeles were not announced.
The Clippers have added 10 new players, including Baron Davis and Marcus Camby. There are 14 players on their roster.
Unrestricted free agents Elton Brand and Corey Maggette left the Clippers. Brand signed with Philadelphia, and Maggette went to Golden State.
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