Bobcats ink Hughes, Wallace MRI negative
March 13, 2010
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—The Charlotte Bobcats signed veteran guard Larry Hughes(notes)to help with depth in the backcourt as they attempt to reach the playoffs forthe first time.
Also, an MRI on forward Gerald Wallace’s(notes) left ankle on Saturday revealed nofractures or ligament ruptures. But Wallace likely will miss Sunday’s game atOrlando after being injured on Friday.
General manager Rod Higgins announced this month they wouldn’t sign Hughesbecause of his broken finger. But the injury has healed sooner than expected,and Hughes could be ready to play in about a week. He walked through plays andparticipated in shooting drills in practice Saturday.
Charlotte has been looking for help in the backcourt after trading FlipMurray(notes) to Chicago last month in a deal that brought forward Tyrus Thomas(notes) to theBobcats. Coach Larry Brown coached Hughes in Philadelphia after the 76ers tookhim with the eighth pick in the 1998 draft.
The 31-year-old Hughes, who has averaged just over 14 points in his career,was traded by New York to Sacramento last month, then waived by the Kings. He’salso played for Golden State, Washington, Cleveland and Chicago.
The Bobcats are hopeful Wallace could return within the week after he rolledhis ankle on a hard foul in the closing second of the first half in the win overthe Clippers. Wallace is averaging 18.5 points.
