The Los Angeles Clippers released Chinese center Wang Zhizhi and signed NBA veteran point guard Doug Overton, announced a team official on Friday.
Wang Zhizhi, who appeared in 43 games during parts of two seasons with the Clippers, averaged 4.3 points per game and played in just two games this season, scoring two points in each.
The ever first Chinese in NBA was originally picked by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round (36th overall) in the 1999 NBA Draft, and joined the Clippers on October 18, 2002 as a free agent after one and a quarter seasons in Dallas.
"Doug Overton is a veteran point guard who will not only provide us with backcourt depth but also lend experience to our young roster," said Elgin Baylor, vice president of the team's basketball operations. "He is a player who we are very familiar with."
Overton had played for the Clippers during the 2001-02 season and averaged 2.2 points in 18 games.
Playing in his 11th NBA season, Overton has career averages of 4.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in 444 career games. He appeared in six games for the New Jersey Nets this season before being waived on November 13, and has also played for Detroit, Washington, Denver, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Orlando, Boston and Charlotte.