Bobcats Acquire Forward Malik Allen In Trade With Miami Heat

“Malik is another young player with a big body who is versatile enough to play a couple of different positions in the frontcourt," said Bobcats General Manager & Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

Allen, a 6-10, 250-pounder, has appeared in 151 career games with 81 starts, averaging 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. He enjoyed his best year in 2002-03, seeing action in 80 games with 73 starts and averages of 9.6 points, 5.3 rebounds in 29.0 minutes. He reached double-figure scoring 42 times with four 20-plus scoring outings.

Allen appeared in the first 10 games this season before undergoing microdiscectomy spine surgery on December 1. He returned to the active roster on February 11 against the Bobcats. In 14 games, he has averaged 5.9 points, 3.7 rebounds in 17.7 minutes. He was initially signed by Miami on July 20, 2001, after not getting drafted into the NBA out of Villanova in 2000. Allen began his professional career in the ABA with the San Diego Wildfire and in the International Basketball League with Trenton during the 2000-01 season.

Smith, a 6-8, 220-pounder, was initially drafted by Miami with the fifth overall pick of the 1991 NBA Draft. He is playing in his 14th NBA season with career averages of 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 929 games (717 starts). This season, he appeared in 37 games with the Bobcats and averaged 7.9 points, 1.5 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. He is ranked 11th in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage (.422). Smith reached double-figure scoring 13 times and scored 20-plus points twice, including a season-high 22 at Detroit on November 21.

“Steve was terrific for our organization both on and off the court. He was a great enhancement to our inaugural season and we wish him the best,” said Bickerstaff. “This is a great opportunity for him to return where he started in the NBA and go to a legitimate championship contender. We promised Steve if an opportunity arose and it was something he wanted to do that we would accommodate him and this was one such opportunity.”