July 14, 2014
ORLANDO -- The Orlando Magic have signed free agent forward Channing Frye, General Manager Rob Hennigan announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Channing (Frye) and his family to Orlando,” said Hennigan. “Channing’s character, competiveness, veteran experience, and leadership ability are valuable additions to our developing team. His ability to stretch the floor and play sound team defense are also ways in which we envision Channing helping our team moving forward.”
Frye (6’11”, 255, 5/17/83) played and started in all 82 games last season with Phoenix, averaging 11.1 ppg., 5.1 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 28.2 minpg., while shooting .370 (160-432) from three-point range.
"I felt like with the roster and the guys on this team and knowing Tobias (Harris) so well, it was a great opportunity for me to challenge myself and join something that is growing," Frye explained. "Even though Orlando is young, they get a lot of respect due to the talent level. I think I can help out a lot.’’
He became the ninth player in Suns history to start all 82 games in a regular season. Frye led (or tied) the team in scoring five times and in rebounding six times. He scored in double figures 57 times and had 20+ points 11 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 19 vs. Denver.
"First and foremost, it was his experience and what he’s able to add to a team is very important to us," Hennigan added. "He’s played in the league for a long time. Channing is someone who takes pride in the leading and the mentor role. We feel like that, in addition to what he can do on the floor, was very appealing to us."
Originally selected by New York in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft, Frye has appeared in 582 career NBA regular season games (340 starts) during his eight-year career with New York, Portland and Phoenix, averaging 9.9 ppg., 5.2 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 24.5 minpg., while shooting .385 (614-1,596) from three-point range.
He also played in 20 career playoff games, averaging 7.2 ppg. and 4.7 rpg. in 23.5 minpg. Frye, who missed the entire 2012-13 campaign due to a dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), was named to the 2005-06 NBA All-Rookie First Team.