USA - Bucks acquire Patterson from Nuggets for Smith

NEW YORK (NBA) - Mercurial swingman Ruben Patterson will be changing uniforms once again.

The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired Patterson from the Denver Nuggets for forward Joe Smith, a pair of players who can become free agents next summer.

Patterson, 31, split last season with the Portland Trail Blazers and Nuggets, who acquired him in a four-team trade on February 23. The athletic 6-5 swingman averaged 12.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 71 games between the clubs last season.

"Adding Ruben gives us added strength at the small forward position," Bucks general manager Lenny Harris said. "He's a tough, defensive-minded player who has shown an ability to score, and he also gives us added playoff experience."

Nicknamed "Captain Chaos" for his frenetic style of play, Patterson has had a history of off-court problems.

Last season, Patterson unleashed an expletive-filled tirade toward Portland coach Nate McMillan during a loss at New York in November and was sent home midway through a road trip.

"We know that Ruben's path through the NBA has been a difficult one at times," Harris said. "But we're confident that he has learned from those experiences and that he's ready to contribute to helping out team win."

Patterson has averaged 10.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 548 career games over eight seasons with Denver, Portland, Seattle and the Los Angeles Lakers. He will make $7.83 million this season, the last year of his contract.

Smith, 31, averaged 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 44 games last season, his 11th in the NBA and third with the Bucks. The veteran forward became expendable when Milwaukee acquired second-year forward Charlie Villanueva from Toronto on June 30.

"We certainly want to thank Joe for all he did for our organization during his three seasons here," Harris said. "Joe is one of the best. He was a wonderful team captain and truly embraced the Milwaukee community. We wish him well in Denver."

The top overall pick in the 1995 draft, Smith has somewhat underachieved throughout his career. The forward has averaged 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 751 career games with Milwaukee, Detroit, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Golden State.

Smith figures to be a reserve in Denver's frontcourt, which already includes star Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin, Nene Hilario and Eduardo Najera.

"We are excited to be able to add a solid veteran like Joe to our frontcourt," Nuggets director of player personnel Mark Warkentien said. "We believe this addition gives us one of the deepest front lines in the NBA."

Smith also is entering the final year of his contract at $6.81 million.

Current takes prominent league role

Michael Curry has been promoted to NBA vice president of basketball operations, commissioner David Stern announced on Thursday.
Curry had served as the vice president of player development for the NBA D-League since last September.

In his new role, Curry will continue to oversee all of the D-League's player development programs and will also assume basketball operations responsibilities for the NBA, reporting to executive vice president of operations Stu Jackson.

PA Sport