The
Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent forward
Ruben Patterson. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.
A nine-year NBA veteran, Patterson is coming off a successful 2006-07 season in
Milwaukee, where he established new career-highs by averaging 14.7 points, 2.9 assists and 31.4 minutes per game. Patterson appeared in 81 games for the Bucks, equaling a career-high while also tying his career-high with 5.4 rebounds per game. Patterson shot 55 percent from the field last season, his highest field goal percentage as a pro.
“We are thrilled to add Ruben to our team,”
Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor said. “Ruben plays hard every single night. He is an aggressive defensive player and has a real enthusiasm for the game. He gives 100 percent every game.”
The
Clippers will be Patterson’s fifth NBA team, as he spent the 2006-07 season with the
Bucks after appearing in 70 games and splitting time with the Trail
Blazers and
Denver Nuggets in 2005-06. Patterson faced the
Clippers in the 2006 NBA Playoffs, appearing in four games and starting one as the
Clippers defeated the Nuggets.
“I am really excited by our signing of
Ruben Patterson,”
Clippers head coach
Mike Dunleavy said. “He is a great competitor. I have always admired the intensity he brings from game to game. His versatility will help improve our team.”
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