August 18, 2006 - The Chicago Bulls today acquired center Martynas Andriuskevicius from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Eddie Basden.
Martynas Andriuskevicius (Mar-teen-es An-droo-SKAV-ih-chis), a 7-2, 240-pound center, appeared in six games with the Cavaliers during his rookie season.
He also appeared in 15 games with the Arkansas RimRockers of the NBA Development League and averaged 7.0 ppg and 4.2 rpg in 18.9 mpg.
The 20-year old native of Kaunas, Lithuania was originally selected in the second round (44th overall) of NBA Draft 2005 by Orlando. He was then traded to Cleveland for a second-round pick and cash considerations on June 29, 2005.
“Martynas is a young big that we view as a player who needs development with his strength and skill, but has the potential to make it in this league,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson. “We are always looking for size and skill, and feel he is a young player that we are willing to take a strong look at.”
In one year with the Bulls, Basden appeared in 19 games and posted averages of 2.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg in 7.5 mpg. He also played in 14 games with the Tulsa 66ers of the D-League and averaged 10.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 25.6 mpg. He signed with Chicago on August 9, 2005, after going undrafted in NBA Draft 2005.