LOS ANGELES -- 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.
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| Jason Williams is the 10th newest Clipper since the end of last season. (Getty Images) |
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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