honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:26 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2008

NBA: Wizards sign first-round pick from Nevada

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — First-round draft pick Javale McGee signed a two-year, $2.4 million deal with the Washington Wizards today.

McGee, a 7-foot center who left Nevada after his sophomore season, was the 18th overall pick in last month's draft.

"JaVale has a chance to be a solid addition to our team, so we're excited to have him officially signed," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said. "We were impressed with his athleticism and shot-blocking when we were scouting him prior to the draft and are anxious to see him compete at the NBA level."

In addition to the two guaranteed years, McGee's contract calls for team options after each of the next two seasons.

McGee is the first son of a former WNBA player to be selected in the NBA draft. His mother, Pamela, played for the Los Angeles Sparks and Sacramento Monarchs in the 1990s.

McGee averaged 14.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for Nevada last season.

He will be part of the Wizards' team in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 14-20.