(The Sports Xchange) – The Indiana Pacers confirmed yesterday that the team signed guard-forward Paul George to a multiyear contract extension.
The Pacers did not disclose terms of the deal, but ESPN.com reported Tuesday that it is a five-year maximum extension at approximately $80 million in guaranteed money. George can make an additional $10,000 if he is named to an All-NBA team or wins an NBA award this season.
George is considered one of the top young players in the game. In his third season in the NBA, George averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game in 2012-13.
NBA free agent Lamar Odom lashed out at his father on Twitter, saying he was the root of the problem that led to a recent “dark time” in the NBA player’s life, but adding that the “only person 2 blame is myself.”
Odom played for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. The 33-year-old veteran was particularly bothered by his father’s comments about his wife, reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, and her family causing his son’s problems.
According to ESPN, close friends have tried to help Odom deal with a drug problem. In early September, he entered a rehabilitation center but checked out after one day, People.com reported.
On Aug. 30, Odom was arrested in southern California on suspicion of driving under the influence and released from jail after posting bail, according to a police report.
The Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers have pursued signing Odom for the coming season. He won the NBA’s Sixth Man Award in 2011 and played on NBA championship teams in 2009 and 2010.
The NBA All-Star Game is officially coming to New York in 2015, the league announced.
The Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will co-host the weekend festivities that culminate with the All-Star Game on Feb. 15, 2015 in the renovated Madison Square Garden.
The 3-point shooting and dunk contests along with other activities will be held at the home of the Nets in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
