MEMPHIS, March 5, 2011 – The Memphis Grizzlies signed free agent Leon Powe, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
Originally selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, the 6-8, 240-pound forward owns career averages of 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds on .516 shooting in 14.3 minutes in 223 games (19 starts) over four-plus seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, who acquired his rights from the Nuggets on draft night.
The former University of California standout averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds on .492 shooting in 13.4 minutes in 14 games (three starts) for the Cavaliers this season before he was waived on Feb. 24.
A key reserve for the Celtics during their 2007-08 NBA Championship run, Powe has appeared in 28 playoff games, averaging 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.8 minutes. The 27-year-old gives Memphis three players with NBA Championship experience, including Powe’s former Celtics teammate Tony Allen and Jason Williams, who captured the 2005-06 title as a member of the Miami Heat.
The Grizzlies have a full roster of 15 players.