MIAMI, Feb. 24 The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-acquired guard Steve Smith from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for forward Malik Allen.
A 68, 221-pound guard, Smith was originally drafted by the HEAT with the fifth pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. He played for Miami for three-plus seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he spent the following four seasons. Smith then spent two seasons in both Portland and San Antonio and played for the New Orleans Hornets last year. In his 13 NBA seasons, he has averaged 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 30.9 minutes per game. He currently ranks 20th in three-point field goals made in NBA history (1,145).
We are very excited to welcome back Steve to the HEAT organization, said HEAT President Pat Riley. In addition to him being a great shooter and his ability to play multiple positions, he also brings great character and veteran leadership to our team. This move also enables us to gain more salary cap flexibility.
Smith signed with the Bobcats as a free agent prior to the 2004-05 season. In 37 games (one start) with the club this season, he has averaged 7.9 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 17.2 minutes per game. He recorded 13 double-figure scoring games, including two in which he scored 20+ points.
Over the course of his career, Smith was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team in 1992, and received the
J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1998. He was also awarded the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2002, the same year he led the NBA in three-point field goal percentage (.472).
Allen signed with the HEAT as a free agent in 2001. He averaged 7.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 22.1 minutes per game in 151 career games with Miami. He spent 40 games on the injured list this season with a back injury which caused him to have surgery on December 1, 2004.
Wed also like to thank Malik for his contributions over the past 3 ½ years, Riley said. He was a tireless worker with great character who gave 100 percent on and off the court. We wish him well in the future.