Norris Cole: Signs contract with Chinese club

Cole signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association, international basketball writer David Pick reports.

After posting career-high averages in a number of categories last season with the Pelicans, including points per game (10.6), assists per game (3.7) and minutes per game (26.6), Cole was unable to attract much interest from NBA teams in free agency. It probably didn't help matters that the 27-year-old had dealt with back problems for a good chunk of the second half of last season, as he ended up suiting up in 45 total games. He'll look to rehabilitate his value in China, but reportedly has an out clause in his contract with Shandong that will allow him to head back to the NBA if an opportunity arises.