Grizzlies Acquire Spurs’ Gordan Giricek for 2nd Round Pick in 2004
Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today that the Grizzlies traded a second round selection in the 2004 NBA Draft and cash considerations to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for the Draft rights to Gordan Giricek (pronounced Geh-ra-seck) of CSKA Moscow in the Russian Super League.
Giricek, a 6-6 guard, was originally selected 40th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1999 NBA Draft. The Spurs acquired Giricek and a future second round pick in a trade with the Mavericks on June 30, 1999 for forward Leon Smith (29th overall selection by Spurs in 1999 Draft). Giricek is currently under contract with CSKA Moscow.
“We feel that Giricek is a terrific, experienced player who has played professionally for a number of years,” said West. “He is a sharp-shooter who is athletic and will bring additional quality depth to our outside shooting positions.”
Giricek has played in the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 Croatian League All-Star Games (named MVP of the 1998 and 2000 All-Star Games) and won three-point shooting contests all three seasons. During the 2001-2002 regular season, he averaged 22.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals per game for CSKA Moscow in Euroleague play. Giricek shot 52.8% overall from the field (149-282), 37.3% from three point range (31-83), and 80.7% in free throws (84-104).
Giricek, 25, began his professional career in 1989-90 with Jedinstvo Zagreb, a third division team in Croatia. He joined Cibona Zagreb of the Croatian Basketball League in 1993 and saw limited action until the 1997-98 season when he helped his team to the Croation National Championship by averaging 13.2 points, shooting .722 from the field and .415 from three point range. Cibona Zagreb has won the Croation championship for five straight seasons (1997-2001). Giricek has won the silver medal at the 1994 Junior European Championship and is a member of the Croation National Team.
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