USA - Morrison signs with Bobcats

CHARLOTTE (NBA) - The Charlotte Bobcats have signed forward Adam Morrison to a rookie contract after selecting him with the third overall pick at last week's draft.

Under the rookie salary scale, the former Gonzaga University star will make $6.25 million in the first two years of a deal which runs until the end of the 2007-08 season. The Bobcats then hold club options for the next two years of the contract. Morrison is on the provisional Team USA roster for the FIBA World Championship.

"We are pleased to sign Adam and to get him on the basketball court with our team," Bobcats general manager Bernie Bickerstaff said. "He is a quality young man and a fine talent who we are excited to have as part of our organisation. We have already seen how his skills will benefit our team and how competitive he is on the court."

The 6ft 8in, 205lb Morrison will play for the Bobcats in the Orlando Summer League next week. On July 19, he will begin training camp with Team USA, hoping to be among 23 players selected to travel to Japan.

"I am glad to sign my first contract and start my NBA career here in Charlotte. It has been a lifelong dream to play in the NBA," said Morrison, who led the nation in scoring at 28.1 points per game as a junior with Gonzaga.

"I look forward to doing whatever I can to help the Bobcats take the next step as we build towards a championship."

By PA Sport