Jul 18, 2007, 18:25 GMT
Chicago, IL - The Chicago Bulls officially re-signed forward Andres Nocioni to a multi-year extension Wednesday and signed forward Joe Smith to a contract.
Per club policy, terms on the contracts were not released.
Nocioni, a 6-foot-7 native of Argentina, averaged a career-high 14.1 points and 5.7 rebounds last year with the Bulls. In three seasons with Chicago, Nocioni has averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
'We are very happy to have Andres remain a member of our organization,' said Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson. 'During his three seasons with us, he has played a key role to help change the culture of our team.
'His passion and energy for the game of basketball are second to none, and he has been a key member of our team because of that.'
Thought to be the top free-agent priority of the Bulls this off-season, Smith averaged 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 2006-07, splitting time between the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers.
'(Smith) is a proven veteran, whose style of play matches ours,' said Paxson. 'We look for him to come in and play his game, and at the same time, help our team improve upon last season.'
The 12-year pro has career averages of 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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