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Pistons sign Curry, Buechler

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Posted: Monday August 02, 1999 09:24 PM

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Pistons on Monday announced the signing of free agent small forward Michael Curry and the re-signing of guard Jud Buechler.

Curry, who spent the past two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, will get $12 million over five years from the Pistons. The Bucks had the next best offer, $10 million over four years.

"The Bucks' offer was very, very good, but the main factor at this stage of his career after so many years of moving his family around was getting the longest and most stable situation," said Curry's agent, Guy Zucker.

The 6-foot-5 Curry spent 1 1/2 seasons with the Pistons before going to the Bucks. As a reserve last season, he averaged 4.9 points and made $550,000.

"We are very happy to have Michael back in the fold here in Detroit," Pistons general manager Rick Sund said in a statement.

"We didn't want to lose him [to Milwaukee] when he left here, but at the time, he made a decision in the best interest of his family," Sund said. "Now, at a time when he could have played for a number of teams, we are thrilled that Michael has decided to come back to Detroit. His leadership, toughness and intangibles are key ingredients that can certainly help us."

Curry, 30, said the time was right for him to return to Detroit.

"I value the coaching staff and playing here next to a superstar player like Grant Hill enables us to compete with the best teams in the NBA," Curry said. "If you can add the right role players around a guy like Grant, you can win a lot of games and contend for a championship."

Hill lobbied for Curry's return immediately after last season.

Buechler signed a one-year deal with a player option for a second year using the team's $1.1 million exception, said his agent, Mark Bartelstein. Buechler was 10th in the league last season in 3-point shooting proficiency -- 41 percent.

He played in Detroit for the first time last year, averaging 21 minutes, 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

"Jud was a fit on and off the court for us a year ago and I am really excited he has decided to come back," Sund said. "Jud's size and athletic ability enable him to play multiple positions."

Buechler reportedly had other offers -- one from San Antonio, the other from the Los Angeles Lakers and their new coach Phil Jackson, for whom Buechler played in Chicago for four seasons.

Buechler said he is "ecstatic" to return to the Pistons.

"It meant a lot to me and my family," he said. "I had a number of options, but ultimately, I came to the decision that playing for the Pistons was the best situation for me."

 

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