TNT Sports
Baker signs for Knicks
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Published 12/03/2004 at 22:51 GMT
Troubled forward Vin Baker joined the New York Knicks on Friday, a day after NBA arbitrators ruled him free to sign with any team. Baker signed a contract for the rest of the season, said the NBA's website, adding that the former Celtic could be in the New York lineup on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Baker had been prevented from signing with any other team until the former all-star's grievance against the Boston Celtics had been heard.
The Celtics had suspended Baker in January for failing to comply with the league's substance abuse policy and later terminated his $35 million contract.
NBA arbitrator Roger Kaplan ruled against the league on Thursday, freeing Baker to sign with another team.
While Baker has a well documented history of alcohol related problems he also possesses immense talent. He averaged 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 37 games for the Boston this season before being waived on February 13.
Coming into this year, the four-times NBA All-Star has career averages of 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds over 10 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics and Celtics.
Baker was also a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. squad at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
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