Trail Blazers Re-Sign Center Joel Przybilla
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2006
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that club has re-signed free agent center Joel Pryzbilla to a multi-year contract. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not released.
“We are ecstatic about signing Joel to a new contract,” said Trail Blazers President/General Manager Steve Patterson. “We want talented players with character who want to be here in Portland. Joel is the embodiment of the direction that this franchise has taken the last few years and his return is another great step in making this team the Pride of Portland.”
Pryzbilla played in 56 games with 52 starts for Portland last season, averaging 6.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 2.3 bpg in 24.9 minutes a game. Despite missing 25 games due to patella tendonitis in his right knee, the 26-year-old Pryzbilla led the team with 130 blocked shots and ranked seventh in the NBA for the second consecutive year in blocks per game with 2.32.
“It is great that we have Joel back with us and under contract,” said Portland Head Coach Nate McMillan. “He brings leadership and work ethic to a very young team. The fact that he wants to remain a Trail Blazer sends a very loud and clear message to his teammates that he believes in the path that the team is taking to turn things around.”
“Deep down, my wife and I both truly believed that Portland was the place to be and I am very excited about signing a new contract with the Trail Blazers,” said Pryzbilla. “Two years ago, Portland was the team that gave me a chance and to be able to continue my career here is great for me and my family. We have grown to love the city and we like where the organization is headed. I am committed to doing everything I can as a player and a teammate to give our fans a team they can be proud of and one day get Portland back on top.”
Pryzbilla originally signed with Portland as a free agent on August 25, 2004, and then proceeded to have a breakout season in his fifth year in the NBA, scoring more points in 76 games as a Trail Blazer than he did in 153 contests in his previous four NBA campaigns combined. During his two seasons with the Trail Blazers, he has averaged 6.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 24.6 minutes and is shooting 57.7%. Additionally, he has recorded career highs in rebounds (22), points (19) and blocked shots (9) during his two years with the club.
July 17, 2006
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that club has re-signed free agent center Joel Pryzbilla to a multi-year contract. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not released.
“We are ecstatic about signing Joel to a new contract,” said Trail Blazers President/General Manager Steve Patterson. “We want talented players with character who want to be here in Portland. Joel is the embodiment of the direction that this franchise has taken the last few years and his return is another great step in making this team the Pride of Portland.”
Pryzbilla played in 56 games with 52 starts for Portland last season, averaging 6.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 2.3 bpg in 24.9 minutes a game. Despite missing 25 games due to patella tendonitis in his right knee, the 26-year-old Pryzbilla led the team with 130 blocked shots and ranked seventh in the NBA for the second consecutive year in blocks per game with 2.32.
“It is great that we have Joel back with us and under contract,” said Portland Head Coach Nate McMillan. “He brings leadership and work ethic to a very young team. The fact that he wants to remain a Trail Blazer sends a very loud and clear message to his teammates that he believes in the path that the team is taking to turn things around.”
“Deep down, my wife and I both truly believed that Portland was the place to be and I am very excited about signing a new contract with the Trail Blazers,” said Pryzbilla. “Two years ago, Portland was the team that gave me a chance and to be able to continue my career here is great for me and my family. We have grown to love the city and we like where the organization is headed. I am committed to doing everything I can as a player and a teammate to give our fans a team they can be proud of and one day get Portland back on top.”
Pryzbilla originally signed with Portland as a free agent on August 25, 2004, and then proceeded to have a breakout season in his fifth year in the NBA, scoring more points in 76 games as a Trail Blazer than he did in 153 contests in his previous four NBA campaigns combined. During his two seasons with the Trail Blazers, he has averaged 6.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 24.6 minutes and is shooting 57.7%. Additionally, he has recorded career highs in rebounds (22), points (19) and blocked shots (9) during his two years with the club.
