Bobcats sign Derek Anderson

In a move designed to add both a third point guard and a wing scorer, the Charlotte Bobcats will today sign veteran Derek Anderson.

Anderson, a former college star at Kentucky, most recently played for the Miami Heat and their championship run last season.

The process of signing Anderson began last week, when he visited Charlotte for a physical and a discussion about a possible role. He is with the team in New Jersey and there is a good chance he will be activated tonight.

Coach/general manager Bernie Bickerstaff waived Allan Anderson on Monday to clear a roster spot. Bickerstaff told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday morning that the key element was Derek Anderson's versatility to play point guard, shooting guard or small forward.

"Point was definitely a factor," Bickerstaff said. "And also scoring. He can take some pressure off our young wings.

"We were considering him and (Penny) Hardaway because we were looking for someone who could be a playmaker and really score."

Derek Anderson had a severe knee injury in 1997 while playing college ball for the Wildcats. He said the injury doesn't trouble him at all now.

"I don't wear a sleeve or anything," he said.

In other news, Bobcats point guard Raymond Felton will not start tonight's game because of what Bickerstaff described as a minor discipline issue. Bickerstaff would not be more specific but said Felton would play.

Primoz Brezec will start instead.

The Bobcats will be without center Jake Voskuhl, who sprained an ankle, and forward Walter Herrmann.

Bickerstaff said Herrmann, an Argentinian, is in Canada resolving a passport issue and will join the team in Atlanta for Wednesday's game against the Hawks.

 

thats a pretty solid pickup. better than Allan Anderson. nothing major but its another vetran on a young team.