The 76ers on Tuesday added much-needed help on the perimeter by acquiring forward Jason Kapono from Toronto for power forward Reggie Evans. The trade is pending physicals for both players.
“We are very excited to add one of the league’s most prolific three-point shooters in Jason Kapono,” team president and general manager Ed Stefanski said in a statement released by the team. “We feel that this move addresses our goal of improving our shooting from the perimeter.”
A six-year veteran, Kapono has shot 45.4 percent from three in his career to tie Steve Kerr for the highest percentage in league history. Last season, Kapono averaged 7.2 points off the bench for the Raptors while shooting 42.8 percent from three, 12th in the league.
The 76ers shot a league-worst 31.8 percent from beyond the arc last season. Only one Sixer, Donyell Marshall at 45.5 percent, registered a three-point percentage above 40.
Kapono was selected by Cleveland in the second round (31st overall) of the 2003 draft. After a one-year stint with the Cavaliers, Kapono was picked up by the Bobcats in the 2004 NBA Expansion Draft. In October 2005, Kapono signed with Miami and played in integral role in the team’s title run. Following his two years with the Heat, Kapono signed with Toronto in 2007.
A graduate of UCLA, Kapono finished his career as the third-leading scorer in school history. He was the first Bruin ever to earn All Pac-10 honors four straight years as well as the first player to lead his team in scoring in four straight seasons.
Evans, a seven-year veteran, spent the last two seasons with the Sixers. He averaged 3.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game last season. Evans became a fan-favorite for his hard work on the floor which led him to be ranked in the top 10 in rebounds per 48 minutes played in each of the past six seasons.
“I want to thank Reggie Evans for his contributions to the team for the past two seasons and we wish him only the best,” Stefanski said.
The Sixers acquired Evans along with the draft rights to Ricky Sanchez in September 2007 in exchange for Bobby Jones and Steven Hunter.
Well, I for one am sure glad to see us bring in a 3 point shooter, and at that one of the best in the league. It’s a great trade for both sides, and wish Reggie the best of luck in Toronto.
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