The Orlando Magic have re-signed forward-center Tony Battie, Assistant General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. InsideHoops.com should have some info on the contract by tomorrow.
“Tony (Battie) is a true professional who provides veteran leadership to our young ballclub,” said Smith. “His tremendous character is important both on the court and in the locker room. In addition, the structure of this deal allows us to maintain significant salary cap flexibility going forward.”
Battie (6’11”, 240, 2/11/76) has played and started in all 67 games for Orlando this season, averaging 8.1 ppg. and 5.9 rpg. in 26.9 minpg. He has led (or tied) the team in rebounding nine times, including a season-best 13 boards on three occasions, the last on Mar. 10 vs. Cleveland. Battie has scored in double figures 23 times and recorded six double-doubles.
Battie has also blocked at least one shot in 35 outings, including a season-best five blocks on Jan. 20 @ Charlotte. All five rejections came during the third quarter, tying the franchise record for most blocked shots in a quarter. He is currently tied for 36th in the NBA in blocked shots.
Selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft by Denver, Battie has played in 599 regular season games during his NBA career with Denver, Boston, Cleveland and Orlando, averaging 6.7 ppg., 5.7 rpg. and 1.00 blkpg. in 22.8 minpg. He has also appeared in 26 career playoff outings, averaging 6.3 ppg., 6.5 rpg. and 1.69 blkpg. in 25.2 minpg.
InsideHoops.com Editor Says: Although Battie starts at center this season, the Magic hope that Darko Milicic, or someone else, steps up and becomes a star alongside Dwight Howard in the frontcourt. Ideally, Battie plays limited minutes as a backup. With that said, he's a solid guy to have on the team.
