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PHOENIX -- Looking to add experience to their
backcourt, the Phoenix Suns on Friday agreed to terms with veteran
guard Mario Elie, a winner of three NBA championships with the
Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.
Entering his 11th season, the 6-foot-5 Elie won titles with the
Rockets in 1994 and 1995 and with the Spurs during the
lockout-shortened 1999 campaign.
The Suns, who have not advanced beyond the Western Conference
semifinals since 1993, are hoping Elie's magic can rub off on
them. The last two times Elie joined a new team, that club won
the NBA title in his first season.
"Mario is a great competitor who has been a thorn in our side
for years," Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said. "I think his
experience, his competitiveness, his leadership will be
invaluable to this team. And by the way, he can still play."
Last season, the Suns lost to the eventual NBA champion Los
Angeles Lakers in five games in the conference semifinals.
Elie, 36, has a career average of 9.0 points per game for
Portland, Golden State, Philadelphia, the Rockets and Spurs. He
is shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 85.6 percent from
the line -- 19th on the all-time list and sixth among active
players.
"Mario brings many intangibles to our team," Suns coach Scott
Skiles said. "He has great leadership, toughness, is a team
player and has seen it all in this game. He can make open shots,
he can go to the hole and he can guard people, so we're really
excited about him joining us."
Originally taken by Milwaukee in the seventh round of the 1985
draft, Elie took a circuitous route to the NBA. He played in
Portugal, Argentina and Ireland before signing a 10-day contract
with Philadelphia on December 28, 1990.
Elie also played in the United States Basketball League and
earned first-team CBA honors with the Albany Patroons in 1989-90
and 1990-91.
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