Mavs Re-Sign LaFrentz

DALLAS (July 30, 2002) --The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have re-signed free agent Raef LaFrentz. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

LaFrentz, who came to Dallas from Denver via trade with Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson and Tariq Abdul-Wahad, was the Mavericks leader in total blocks last season with 213. The 6-11 center/forward had overall averages of 13.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and a career-high 2.73 blocks in 78 games. He scored in double figures 50 times, had 20 points or more 15 times and recorded over 30 four times. With 104 3-pointers and 100 blocks, he became just the third player ever in NBA history to register over 100 3-pointers and 100 blocks in a single season.

A four-year NBA pro, LaFrentz has career averages of 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.47 blocks in 31.1 minutes in 249 games. The Kansas University graduate was the third overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. He remains the Jayhawks second all-time scorer and rebounder (to Danny Manning) and has already been inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban introduces Raef LaFrentz and his wife, Joie. Danny Bollinger/dallasmavericks.com

LaFrentz answers media questions at the press conference. Danny Bollinger/dallasmavericks.com

Mavs owner Mark Cuban presents LaFrentz with his #45 jersey. Danny Bollinger/dallasmavericks.com

LaFrentz talks with Marc Stein of The Dallas Morning News after the press conference. Danny Bollinger/dallasmavericks.com