Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Sixers officially sign Carney

The Philadelphia 76ers officially signed free agent swingman Rodney Carney Tuesday.

“Rodney Carney is a player that we feel will mesh extremely well with our current personnel and in the up-tempo style of play that coach Jordan will continue to implement this season,” general manager Ed Stefanski said. "We think that Rodney is one of the most athletic players in the league who has the ability to stretch the floor and we are happy to have him back."

A three-year veteran, Carney (6-7, 205) spent his first two seasons with the Sixers before being traded to Minnesota along with Calvin Booth, cash considerations and a future first round pick in exchange for a future second round pick on July 9, 2008. The move helped Philadelphia sign free agent forward Elton Brand last summer.

In 67 games with six starts for the Timberwolves last season, Carney averaged a career-high 7.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game while shooting 41.6% from the floor and career-bests of 35.0% from 3-point range and 75.8% from the line.

Carney also had 45 steals to just 43 turnovers last season and would have ranked fifth in the NBA in steal-to-turnover ratio (1.05) had he qualified. For his career, Carney has more steals (122) than turnovers (120).

The 25-year-old hit 79 3-pointers last season, after having just 63 3FGM his first two seasons combined. Carney hit 2+ 3FGM 21 times last season, including a career-high 7 3FGM at Philadelphia on Mar. 25.

Last season, Philly ranked second-to-last in 3-pointers made (4.2 3FGM per) and last in 3-point percentage (31.8% 3FGs). With the addition of Carney and Jason Kapono, who was acquired via trade back in June, the Sixers have obtained two players who shot a combined 38.9% from behind-the-arc last season.

No comments: