The Miami Heat announced Friday they have signed six-year veteran Shawne Williams.
The 6-foot-9 power forward was drafted 17th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2006 draft, and the Heat will be his sixth NBA team in seven seasons. He played 36 games last season for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds in 20.9 minutes. He also appeared in 23 games with their NBA Development League affiliate the Los Angeles D-Fenders, where his averages rose to 20.5 points, 7 rebounds, 2.1 blocks in 31.5 minutes.
For his career, Williams has averaged 5.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 17.1 minutes on 40.3 percent shooting (33.3 percent from 3-point range) in 251 games.
The Heat's roster now stands at 13, with a maximum of 15 for the regular season. With news earlier this week that Michael Beasley worked out for the Lakers and is being courted by several teams, the signing of Williams could signal a parting of ways with the former first-round pick (No. 2 overall in 2008).
Williams had several chances to stick with the Lakers last season despite a handful of injuries to the team, though he was brought back on a 10-day contract after playing well for the D-Fenders, earning NBADL Performer of the Week honors March 17.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
