The Los Angeles Clippers today signed center Chris Kaman to a multi-year contract extension. The contract extension, announced by Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor, will begin in the 2007-08 season. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.
We are absolutely thrilled to ensure that Chris will be here and staying with the Clippers for a long time to come, Baylor said. He is one of the best young big men in the league and we feel that he will just continue to get better.
Kaman was selected by the Clippers with the sixth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, and is entering his fourth NBA season. Prior to signing this extension, Kaman was set to become a restricted free agent following the 2006-07 season, with the Clippers holding the right of first refusal.
The 7-0, 260 pound center averaged 11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.38 blocks per game last season in 78 games. In his first career playoff appearance, Kaman averaged 10.7 points and 8.0 rebounds in 11 games.
The former Central Michigan standout has improved his scoring and rebounding totals in each of his first three years with the Clippers, going from 6.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in his rookie year of 2003-04 to 9.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in 2004-05 before enjoying career-highs last season, as the 24-year old has emerged as one of the most dynamic young centers in the league.
"I am very pleased that we were able to come to this agreement with Chris, said Clippers ' Head Coach Mike Dunleavy. " I think the deal is a great one for both parties. Chris is a great compliment to Elton Brand and I view him as an integral piece to our championship aspirations. He has shown great improvement over the last few years. With his work ethic and atheleticism I see him improving over the next couple of years into one of the elite centers in the NBA."
Kaman enjoyed a break-out 2005-06, ranking ninth in the NBA in rebounds per game (9.6), 12th in field goal percentage (.523) and 24th in blocks per game (1.38) while recording 29 points/rebounds double-doubles.
Kaman, Baylor and Head Coach Mike Dunleavy will be available to the media immediately following practice on Sunday, October 29th at Spectrum Club South Bay.