Grizzlies exercise options on two players

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MEMPHIS, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The Memphis Grizzlies have exercised the fourth-year options on the contracts of former Rookie of the Year Pau Gasol and swingman Shane Battier.

Gasol averaged 19.0 points last season while ranking ninth in the NBA in field-goal percentage (.510), 12th with 8.8 rebounds, and 14th with 1.8 blocks per game. The 23-year-old Spaniard has not missed a game in his two-year career.

"This organization has shown from the beginning that they believe in me, and I am looking forward to being a part of an organization dedicated to winning," Gasol said.

He won Rookie of the Year honors following the 2001-02 season, when he averaged 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.06 blocks and 2.7 assists.

Like Gasol, Battier was a member of the NBA's All-Rookie First Team in 2002. He slumped last season with averages of 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 78 games.