Wolves Sign Free Agent Ronny Turiaf
The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed free-agent center Ronny Turiaf. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"We're excited to welcome Ronny to our team," said Flip Saunders, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. "Ronny is a physical, aggressive defender and a good passer. He's a solid pro who will help us with his experience and veteran leadership."
In 2012-13, Turiaf, a 6-10 center, averaged 1.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 10.5 minutes in 65 games for the Los Angeles Clippers. He appeared in five playoffs contests, averaging 3.2 points and 1.6 rebounds.
Turiaf, 30, is a native of France and played collegiately at Gonzaga. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round (37th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft. Turiaf played three seasons with the Lakers, posting his best numbers in the 2007-08 campaign with a career--high 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
He signed as a free agent with Golden State prior to the 2008-09 season and averaged 5.9 points, and career-highs of 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game that year. After two years with the Warriors, Turiaf was traded to New York where he played one season, averaging 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds.
He was traded to Washington prior to the 2011-12 season and dealt to Denver on March 15, 2012. The Nuggets waived Turiaf and he signed with Miami on March 21, 2012. Turiaf appeared in 12 games during the Heat's run to the championship in 2012, posting averages of 3.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.