Rush, Hibbert Ink Deals With Pacers

Indianapolis, IN (AHN) - Portland Trailblazers' guard Brandon Rush and Toronto Raptors' center Roy Hibbert join the Indiana Pacers' roster on Tuesday after signing separate deals with the club.

Hibbert, drafted 17th overall in the recent NBA draft by the Raptors, arrived in Indiana as a result of the multi-player trade that sent Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto. The product of Georgetown averaged 13.4 points and pulled down 6.4 rebounds for the Hoyas.

On the other hand, Rush, who was part of the national champion Jayhawks last season, is the 13th choice by the Blazers and was traded in exchange for Jerryd Bayless. He averaged 13.3 points and pulled down 5.1 boards for the Jayhawks

"We're very honored to have two individuals as talented as these young men to not only be good on the court but off the court to represent the franchise and the city well." Pacers general manager Larry Bird said in a press conference.

"I just feel very honored to have them here because we know they're going to add something to our team that we don't have and hopefully as we go along here."

Aside from Hibbert, former Raptors T.J. Ford, Rasho Nestorivic, Maceo Baston will also be arriving in Indiana for O'Neal and Nathan Jawai, the 41st pick in the NBA draft.

While Portland's Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts will join Rush in the trade deal for Bayless and Ike Diogu.