The New York Knicks signed up Jonathan Bender as a free agent on Sunday, 13th December, 2009. The 6’11” forward will have his say after 3 years of silence. Originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors, Bender was traded off to the Indiana Pacers in 1999 but was waived off by the Pacers in 2006 due to a continual knee injury.
Donnie Walsh, the Knicks President announced the recruitment move in a statement on Sunday. Bender> has yet scored a total of 1,335 points with 530 rebounds. 2001-02 season was his best one when Bender averaged 7.4 points per game. However, in 2006, he was forced out of 3 seasons and 172 games on account of a right-knee injury.
“Jonathan has worked extremely hard in preparing himself for a return to the NBA. I know him to be a young man of the highest character from my relationship with him that dates back 10 years to his rookie year and I think he will be a fine addition to our team both on and off the court.” Walsh added after the announcement.