Elton Brand will return for a 16th NBA season as he re-signed to play with the Hawks Tuesday.
The center, who appeared in 73 games for the Hawks last season, signed a one-year, $2 million contract.
“We are happy to retain Elton,” Hawks coach and acting general manager Mike Budenholzer said in a statement released by the team. “In addition to the production he gives us on the court, he is the ultimate professional and a terrific leader. Elton’s presence is felt by all of us, but especially his teammates.”
Brand averaged 5.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists and a team-best 1.2 blocks in 19.4 minutes for the Hawks last season.
The former No. 1 overall pick and two-time All-Star has appeared in 1,005 games for the Bulls, Clippers, 76ers, Mavericks and Hawks in 15 seasons. Among active players, Brands ranks 16th in scoring (16,661), sixth in rebounds (8,877), second in offensive rebounds (3,267) and fourth in blocks (1,795).
The Hawks also officially announced the signing of free agent Kent Bazemore Tuesday.
The guard agreed to a two-year, $4 million deal with the Hawks on July 11 after playing for the Warriors and Lakers last season.
“Kent’s competitiveness and versatility make him a great addition to our group,” Budenholzer said in a statement. “He can impact the game in a lot of ways, especially defensively guarding multiple positions. Kent’s work ethic and enthusiasm for the game make him a great teammate and great fit with the Hawks.”
The 6-foot-5 Bazemore averaged 6.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 13.6 minutes in 67 combined games for the Warriors and Lakers. After being acquired by the Lakers on Feb. 19, he averaged 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals in 28 minutes and made 15 starts.
“Obviously, they like my style of play,” Bazemore told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in July. “I’m a long, athletic, defensive wing. I can run up and down. I’m an energy guy. And I’m young. I’m on the cusp of really making a career out of this thing. It’s the perfect match. They are the same way. They pushed Indiana last year. They are on the cusp as well. It’s the perfect opportunity for a player and an organization that have a lot in common to try to get over the hump.”
The signings give the Hawks 15 players under contract with training camp scheduled to begin next week.
