Maceo Baston, a 6-9, 215-pound power forward who teamed with Sarunas Jasikevicius at Maccabi Tel Aviv to win consecutive Euroleague titles in 2004 and '05, has signed with the Pacers, the team announced today.
The former Michigan standout averaged 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.14 steals and 1.0 blocked shots, shooting .648 from the field and .631 from the free throw line the past three seasons with Maccabi. The last player drafted in 1998 (No. 58 overall by Chicago), Baston was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year his senior season with the Wolverines and earned the same honor in the CBA.
Now 30 and a well-established star in Europe, Baston is taking the opportunity to make his NBA mark.
"I would prefer to be player receiving a few minutes in the NBA than a star in Europe," Baston told Haaretz.com, a prominent news Website in Israel. "Every basketball player has to test himself out against the best. I see players like Boris Diaw or Tayshaun Prince and I feel that I can play in that league. I have no doubt about it."
In 25 Euroleague games last season, Baston averaged 12.8 points and 5.9 rebounds in 24.2 minutes as Maccabi again reached the Final Four, losing in the championship to CSKA Moscow. He's had one previous NBA trial, averaging 2.5 point and 1.4 rebounds with Toronto in 2003.
Baston is regarded as an exceptionally athletic defender and shot-blocker who runs the floor very well. Though his offensive game his limited, he is a strong finisher around the basket, particularly in transition.
http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/baston_signs_060728.htmlgood sign.. would get good chemistry with former teammate sarunas... gives us more depth at power forward. he's 6'9 215lbs so he's a little undersized. another swingman for us....
