Thunderbirds Acquire Former Lobo J.R. Giddens
February 10, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The New Mexico Thunderbirds have announced today they have signed former Lobo guard J.R. Giddens (6-5, 215, New Mexico) and he will be active for their game tonight against the Erie Bayhawks at 5:30 MT.
Giddens played for the University of New Mexico during his junior and senior years of college. During the 2007-08 season, he averaged 16.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He was named the Mountain West Conference Co-Player of the Year and was also an Honorable Mention All-American.
The Boston Celtics selected J.R. Giddens with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft. Giddens averaged 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.6% in 38 career NBA games for the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks over two seasons.
Giddens has also seen time in the NBA Development League during the past two seasons. Last year, he played in four games for the Maine Red Claws and averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 64.4% from the field. During the 2008-09 season, he played in 28 games for the Utah Flash and averaged 17.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 57.8% from the floor.
Giddens began this season with Asseco Prokom Gdynia in Poland and averaged 9.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game
"We are very excited to bring J.R. Giddens back to New Mexico to display his talent and athleticism and help him get back to the NBA," Thunderbirds head coach Darvin Ham said.
The Thunderbirds begin a five-game road trip tonight against the Erie Bayhawks at 5:30 p.m. The game is available online at www.nba.com/futurecast. The T-Birds will return home for March Giveaway Madness beginning on March 2 for Defined Fitness Night with a T-Bird Magnet giveaway.
Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
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