Nets Sign Josh Childress

Howard Beck is reporting that the Nets have found their back-up small forward, soon after Damion James signed with Atlanta. Childress, who is 29 years old and 6'9, spent his most recent seasons with the Phoenix Suns, where he had the worst stretch of his career. His best years game with the Hawks where he averaged double figures in scoring every year with them, he would sign a deal with a team in Greece before returning to the NBA with Phoenix. Childress will be the primary back-up to Gerald Wallace, the only spot on the roster left to fill after recently signing Andray Blatche to play center. The deal is a one year, vets minimum deal, though it appears to be non-guaranteed. Chuldress was amnestied by the Suns and they owe him $21 million.

Childress scored a career-low 2.9 points in a career-low 14.4 minutes per game last season. He managed to grab 2.8 rebounds and assist once in those minutes last season as well. It was his worst season.  Last year he had his lowest scoring efficiency rating career-wise. Suffice to say, it was not his best year.

But when given the minutes in Atlanta, Childress proved his worth, scoring 11.3 points while grabbing 5.6 rebounds in over 30 minutes of play. Childress will definitely not be playing those minutes but could be good for about 15 minutes a game. He will likely perform the role as the off-the-bench defender.

Childress is only 29 years old.