Bobcats Sign Guard Larry Hughes

Charlotte, NC, United States (AHN) – The Charlotte Bobcats boosted their guard rotation Saturday, acquiring swingman Larry Hughes for the remainder of the season.

The Bobcats added firepower to their bench, as they make their final push towards a hopeful postseason berth.

The 31-year-old Hughes has been known for his hardnosed defense and reliable scoring.

Hughes was named to the 2004-2005 NBA All Defensive First Team, after leading the league with 2.9 steals per game.

The veteran guard is also known as a reliable scorer, who can fill up the stat sheets.

The Bobcats were in desperate need of a solid bench scorer, since trading guard Flip Murray to the Bulls for forward Tyrus Thomas.

Since Murray’s departure, the Bobcats experienced problems finding point contribution from their bench, especially from their reserve guards.

Sophomore guard DJ Augustin only averaged 6.2 points, while third-stringer Derick Brown and rookie Gerald Henderson only produced a combined 6.2 points.

Hughes (11.2 points, 1.4 steals, and 2.6 borads) could be the missing piece of the Bobcats’ playoff hopes.

Hughes was included in the in the three-way trade that sent Tracy McGrady to New York.

The cap-saving Sacramento Kings released Hughes after the trade, making the guard available to sign with the Bobcats.

Hughes is tentatively expected to play this week, after nursing a broken finger.

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