Andray Blatche signs with Nets

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The Brooklyn Nets announced on Wednesday that Andray Blatche officially signed with the team.

The power forward/center also took to Twitter to announce his new digs, posting a photo of a Nets hat.

According to a source, it's a one-year, nonguaranteed contract that could be worth the veteran's minimum. Blatche also will earn $7.1 million this season after the Wizards amnestied him in July.

Blatche could serve as a backup to Kris Humphries and Brook Lopez because the Nets don't have a traditional backup center. He's considered around the league to be a talented young player, but one who always doesn't buy into the team concept.

But at only 26, Blatche still has potential to mature on both ends of the court. Two seasons ago, he averaged 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Now, with two veteran, All-Star perimeter players around to guide him in Deron Williams and Joe Johnson -- something Blatche didn't have in Washington -- he could step up to the plate.

"He was just very young when he came into the league, but he's learned a lot over the years," said Darren Weissman, a Miami-based basketball trainer who's previously worked individually with Blatche. "Dray is very diverse and he can contribute in many ways. He's an excellent shooter who can stretch the defense. He can also put it on the floor. The Nets just got a lot better."

Jared Zwerling and Mike Mazzeo are regular contributors to ESPNNewYork.com.

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