May 2002 NBA Draft Wiretap

Free Agent Signing Update

Jul 19, 2002 9:22 AM

Updated 9:00AM July 19th.

The following players have officially been signed according to the NBA

Chauncey Billups: Signed by Detroit for 6-years / $33.8 million.
Jacque Vaughn: Signed by Orlando for 1-year / $700K.
Ryan Bowen: Re-signed by Denver for 3-years / $4 mil with a 3rd year team option.
Devean George: Re-signed by the Lakers  to 4 yrs / $18.5 mil with a player-opt for the 4th year.
Larry Hughes: Signed by Washington for 3-years / $15.0 million.
Predrag Savovic: Signed by the Nuggets to a 2-year minimum contract with a team option for the 2nd year.
Emanuel Ginobili: Signed by the Spurs to a 2 year / $2.9 million contract.
Jerome James: Signed by the Sonics to a 3 year / $15.0 million contract.
Marko Jaric: Signed by the Clippers to a 4 year contract.
Bruno Sundov: Signed by the Celtics to a 2-year / minimum contract with a player option for the second year.
Scott Williams: Signed by the Suns to a 1-year / minimum contract.

The following players have been reported as signed by the media:

Gordan Giricek: Signed by Memphis for 2years / $2.9 million.
J.R. Bremer: Signed by the Celtics to a partially guaranteed, 2-year / rookie minimum contract.
Raef LaFrentz: Re-signed by the Mavericks to a 7-year / $60 million contract.
Danny Ferry: Re-signed by the Spurs to a 2-year contract.
Stanislav Medvedenko: Re-signed by the Lakers to a 2-year contract.

Tags: NBA, NBA Official Signing, NBA NBA Draft

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Parker tries to avoid being 'smushed'

Jul 14, 2002 2:34 PM

RDV Sportsplex is a long way from West Fourth Street in New York, a place the locals call "West Fourth Square Garden."

On that playground, William "Smush" Parker has attained legendary status. On the streets of New York, he is a wizard, whizzing no-look and behind-the-back passes, the perfect point guard in a mecca of point guards.

"If you're from the streets, it's all about the heart," Parker says, opening the left side of his jersey to show that his is still thumping. "Growing up on the streets, you've got to be tough. It definitely helps you keep your edge on the court."

Never before has Parker needed to maintain his edge. A month ago, he thought he would be an NBA draft pick. Now, he is on the Orlando Magic's summer pro league team, hoping that either the Magic or some team -- any team -- will sign him.

On this playground, Parker is not a legend, just one of many players wanting to find room on a crammed roster.

Parker, 21, bypassed his final two years at Fordham because he thought he was ready for the league. Like so many players, he thought he would be picked in the first round. At worst, he thought he would be scooped up in the second round.

"I was very disappointed not to get picked," Parker said. "After the 24th pick, I stopped watching. It took me a day and a half to get over it."

When asked why he thought he didn't get picked, Parker frowned and said, "I'd rather not get into that."

In a recent New York Post story, Parker said he believed his coach at Fordham, Bob Hill, played a role in sabotaging him, because Hill wanted the point guard to return to school. Hill has denied this, and there is no evidence to support Parker's claim.

Parker said he did consider returning to school. He averaged 16 points and four assists as a sophomore, but he shot less than 40 percent and had an assist-to-turnover ratio barely above 1-to-1.

Parker has the quickness and flair of an NBA point guard, but he still needs more savvy and poise. The Magic are in the market for a point guard of the future, and Parker is intriguing, if not the answer.

The Magic considered acquiring Parker on draft night. They flirted with a trade with Sacramento to get the 57th and last pick of the draft and would have used that selection on Parker.

Parker was impressive in several workouts with NBA teams, including the Magic, who saw him three times.

"He kept pretty good company in pre-draft workouts," Magic General Manager John Gabriel said. "He was traveling with the likes of Frank Williams and Dan Dickau. You could say he dominated some of these workouts."

Parker says he plans on sticking with the Magic. "I'm not banking on this opportunity not working out for me," Parker said. "I'm not looking to fail."

Like most free agents here, his chances of signing a deal are slim. His play in the first two summer league games has been spotty. He has missed 18 of 23 shots, but he is second on the team with a 12-point average. He had six steals Tuesday and finished with 17 points and five assists Wednesday.

Though Parker is prone to playing too fast and too flashy, he is a true point guard with a pass-first mentality.

"He has the skill level, the talent, the feel for the game," Gabriel said. "You'd like to cut through the flair, and see if it translates to steadiness and maturity."

Orlando Sentinel

Tags: Orlando Magic, NBA, NBA NBA Draft

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