Raptors sign veteran PG Strickland, release Pargo

TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors signed veteran point guard Rod Strickland for the rest of the season on Friday and waived guard Jannero Pargo.

Strickland requested and received his release from the Orlando Magic earlier this week. He wanted the opportunity to sign with a playoff team.

Strickland averaged 6.8 points and four assists in 46 games for Orlando.

Strickland ranks seventh in NBA history with 7,889 assists in 16 seasons and third among active players behind Houston's Mark Jackson and Gary Payton of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Raptors need a point guard because of injuries to Jalen Rose and Alvin Williams, who are expected to miss at least three more weeks.

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