Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has acquired the draft rights of forward Trevor Booker and center Hamady Ndiaye from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the rights to Lazar Hayward and Nemanja Bjelica.
“We are very pleased to add Trevor Booker and Hamady Ndiaye to our roster on an exciting night for our franchise,” said Grunfeld. “Trevor is a strong rebounder and hard-nosed defender with an aggressive mentality. He is a real competitor who will bring a strong desire and physicality to our team. Hamady also plays with toughness and a lot of effort, and has an excellent ability to block shots."
The only player in ACC history with 1,500 career points, 1,000 rebounds, 200 blocks, 200 assists and 100 steals, Booker led Clemson to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his four seasons with the Tigers. Booker, 6’7”, 240 lbs., averaged 15.2 ppg and 8.4 rpg in 2009-10, en route to First Team All-ACC honors. As one of only three ACC players with 40+ blocks and 40+ assists last season, Booker was also named to the All-ACC Defensive Team. Booker was selected with the 23rd overall pick the first round of tonight’s NBA Draft.
Ndiaye, 7’0”, 235 lbs., was the 2009-10 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, as he led the Big East in blocks per game (4.5) while ranking third nationally. Ndiaye was selected 56th overall in the draft.
Hayward was selected with the 30th overall pick in tonight’s draft, while Bjelica was drafted 35th overall.