KoriEllis
09-16-2004, 03:06 PM
Veteran guard Smith joining Bobcats
RICK BONNELL
Staff Writer
Assuming he passes a team physical today, veteran guard Steve Smith is joining the Charlotte Bobcats, the Observer has learned.
Smith was in Charlotte Thursday to sign with the team, and coach/general manager Bernie Bickerstaff said he hopes Smith will provide leadership to a relatively young expansion team this season.
"We want him to come in and give direction to other players and to compete," Bickerstaff said. "I wanted a high-character guy who was a professional on and off the court. He's a guy who commands respect from his track record and conceivably will get respect from the officials. He can shoot the basketball and play three positions."
At 6-foot-8, Smith has played shooting guard, small forward and point guard in the NBA. He's played 13 NBA seasons, most recently with the New Orleans Hornets. He was originally drafted by the Miami Heat and later played for Atlanta, Portland and San Antonio.
A former star at Michigan State, Smith has averaged 14.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in the NBA. However, he's been far more limited the past two seasons, not averaging double figures in either one. He played in 71 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 13 minutes.
RICK BONNELL
Staff Writer
Assuming he passes a team physical today, veteran guard Steve Smith is joining the Charlotte Bobcats, the Observer has learned.
Smith was in Charlotte Thursday to sign with the team, and coach/general manager Bernie Bickerstaff said he hopes Smith will provide leadership to a relatively young expansion team this season.
"We want him to come in and give direction to other players and to compete," Bickerstaff said. "I wanted a high-character guy who was a professional on and off the court. He's a guy who commands respect from his track record and conceivably will get respect from the officials. He can shoot the basketball and play three positions."
At 6-foot-8, Smith has played shooting guard, small forward and point guard in the NBA. He's played 13 NBA seasons, most recently with the New Orleans Hornets. He was originally drafted by the Miami Heat and later played for Atlanta, Portland and San Antonio.
A former star at Michigan State, Smith has averaged 14.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in the NBA. However, he's been far more limited the past two seasons, not averaging double figures in either one. He played in 71 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 13 minutes.