Joel Przybilla has officially signed with the Trail Blazers, the team announced today (Twitter link). Przybilla, who passed a physical yesterday, will earn a pro-rated portion of the veteran's minimum salary for the remainder of the season.
The ninth overall pick in the 2000 draft, Przybilla had spent six and a half seasons with the Blazers before he was traded last February as part of the deal that saw Gerald Wallace head to Portland. The 32-year-old averaged 5.2 PPG and 7.5 RPG with a .581 FG% during his first five years with the Blazers, though his health and production began to slip in 2009. The 7'1" center will add size and depth to a Blazers' frontcourt that includes LaMarcus Aldridge, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas, and Craig Smith.
Przybilla had been deciding whether to sign with the Blazers, Bulls, Heat, or Bucks, or to sit out the season and remain with his family in Milwaukee. Portland has a full roster of 15 players, so a corresponding move will have to be made before Przybilla officially joins the team.
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports first reported that Przybilla had decided to sign with the Blazers, while SI.com's Sam Amick and Jason Quick of the Oregonian added details.
I though he was going to my Bulls or the Heat!?? Oh well, we’ll take Fesenko any day of the week over Przy
Przybilla is a journeyman — always has been — but he works very hard and has good focus. I sincerely doubt the Blazers will make a playoff run, but he’s a nice veteran presence to have.