Portland, OR – The Portland Trail Blazers bolstered their bench on Thursday by signing free agent veteran guard Earl Watson to a contract.
Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Watson, a 12-year veteran who spent his last three seasons with the Utah Jazz, holds career averages of 6.5 points, 4.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.02 steals per game.
"Earl is a consummate professional and one of the most competitive players I have ever been around," said Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey. "His leadership, command presence and ability to affect games with his defense are attributes we value highly, and specifically targeted in our search for players at his position."
The 34-year-old will provide backcourt depth and compete for playing time with reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard and first round draft pick CJ McCollum.
Watson was drafted by Seattle in 2001 and has also played for Memphis, Denver, Oklahoma City and Indiana over the course of his career.
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