Watson 'close' to joining Magic

Wire reports

Originally published 06:18 p.m., July 19, 2009
Updated 06:19 p.m., July 19, 2009

The Orlando Magic could be making progress in their search for another backup to starting point guard Jameer Nelson.

The Web site Fanhouse.com is reporting that the Magic are “close” to signing restricted free agent C.J. Watson to an offer sheet.

The former Tennessee Vol averaged 9.5 points and 2.7 assists per game and made 40 percent of his 3-point attempts last season for the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors would have seven days to match any offer sheet Watson signs with the Magic.

Orlando general manager Otis Smith declined to comment about Watson or any other potential free-agent signings when reached by phone Saturday by the Orlando Sentinel.

If signed by the Magic, the 25-year-old Watson could compete with 34-year-old Anthony Johnson for a role as Nelson’s primary backup.

Grizzlies sign Thabeet: First-round draft pick Hasheem Thabeet has signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 7-foot-3 center from Connecticut was the second pick in the draft. Thabeet is due to make about $7.7 million over two years under the rookie salary scale.

Thabeet is the first Tanzanian-born player drafted by an NBA team. He averaged 13.6 points, nearly 11 rebounds and 4 blocks per game at UConn last season and was named Big East co-player of the year.

Thabeet is also second on the Big East’s all-time blocked shots list behind Patrick Ewing.