SACRAMENTO, CA, February 23, 2011 -- The Sacramento Kings today acquired guard Marcus Thornton and cash considerations in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for forward Carl Landry, it was announced by Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.
“We’re excited about acquiring Marcus Thornton,” said Petrie. “He brings a scorer’s mentality to our team and will certainly add an offensive threat to the backcourt with his ability to shoot from the perimeter. I think he’ll improve the look of our team offensively and we’re really excited about having him in Sacramento. I also want to thank Carl for his contribution here and wish him well in New Orleans.”
Thornton, a 6-4, 205-pound guard, is currently in his second NBA season after being selected out of LSU with the 43rd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. He has amassed career averages of 11.9 points (.440 FGs, .374 3FGs, .798 FTs), 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game through 119 contests. He enjoyed a productive rookie campaign in 2009-10, setting a Hornets rookie franchise record with 117 three-pointers made en route to posting 14.5 points (.451 FGs, .374 3 FGs, .814 FTs), 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 73 appearances (17 starts). As a starter, Thornton’s output increased significantly, as he contributed 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during those opportunities. He registered 10-plus points in 52 games and added 21 contests with 20 or more points, becoming the first rookie not selected in the first round to accomplish the feat since Dino Radja in 1993-94. He tallied a career-high 37 points at Cleveland (2/23/10), establishing Hornets franchise records for points by a rookie, points off the bench, points scored in a quarter (23 in the second), as well as notching the third-most points by a rookie reserve since the 1976-77 season. Through 46 contests this season, he is averaging 7.8 points (.410 FGs, .376 3 FGs, .758 FTs), 2.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists.
At 6-9 and 248 pounds, Landry is playing in his fourth NBA season after being acquired by Sacramento prior to the trade deadline in 2009-10. He has totaled career averages of 12.1 points (.542 FGs, .771 FTs) and 5.2 rebounds over 244 outings (45 starts). Landry’s most productive season occurred during the 2009-10 campaign when he averaged a career-best 16.8 points (.536 FGs, .806 FTs) and 5.9 rebounds per game through 80 games with the Kings and Rockets. After joining Sacramento, he contributed 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in starting all 28 games in which he played. He finished the year with double-figures in 72 of his 80 appearances, including 27 games with 20-plus points and three contests with 30 or more points. He scored a career-high 31 points to accompany 10 rebounds at Phoenix (1/9/10). Landry was selected by Seattle with the 31st overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft following his senior season at Purdue.
About Maloof Sports & Entertainment:
Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings and ARCO Arena. Owned by the Maloof family with long-term, local partners, the organization is committed to being a contributing member of the Sacramento community. Teaming up with local leaders and non-profit organizations to give back to those in need throughout the region, MS&E has donated millions of dollars to charity in 11 years of Maloof family ownership. For more information about Maloof Sports & Entertainment, please visit kings.com, arcoarena.com or call 916-928-0000.
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