Free Agent Earl Watson Officially Joins the Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today restricted free agent guard Earl Watson is officially a member of the Grizzlies. Watson signed an offer sheet with the Grizzlies on July 19. According to league rules, the Seattle SuperSonics had 15 days (from the date received) to match the terms of the offer sheet to retain Watson, but the Sonics chose not to match. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not announced.
Watson, a 6-1 point guard, has played one NBA season with Sonics (2001-02) with averages of 3.6 points, 2.0 assists, 1.3 rebounds, and .94 steals during 15.1 minutes of play per game. Last season, Watson ranked fourth in the NBA in steal per turnover ratio (1.18) and ranked second in steals per 48 minutes (2.99). He posted career-highs of 14 points at the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 11, 2001; five assists in three games; and five steals two times.
|
“We feel that Earl (Watson) is a tough, hard-nosed player who is dedicated to becoming an impact player in this league,” said West. “He had an impressive college career at UCLA and a good rookie season in Seattle, and he will add quality depth to our point guard position.” |
Watson said “I am excited about the opportunity to possibly play for the Grizzlies for several reasons. I grew up in Kansas City which is close to Memphis, and I consider it a privilege to have a chance to play for Jerry West. Looking from afar as an opponent last season, the Grizzlies are a young, exciting team with great guys. The coaching staff also appears to communicate well with the players and place an emphasis on teaching and helping players improve their game.”
Watson, 23, started in 129 collegiate games at UCLA, breaking UCLA's record for career starts (127) previously held by Don MacLean (1989-92). As a senior, he was named All-Pac-10 and ranked second on the team in scoring (14.7 ppg) and field goal percentage (.493), and first in assists (5.2 apg) and steals (1.9 spg). He scored in double figures 26 times and recorded eight 20+ point performances. In three NCAA Tournament games, Watson averaged a team-high 16 points, 5.7 rebounds, five assists and two steals and scored a career-high 30 points vs. North Carolina. He ranks first on UCLA's career steals list (235), fourth in assists (607) and fourth in three-point field goals (133) and is the second player in school history to record 600 assists and 200 steals (Tyus Edney).