Pacers ink G Erick Strickland

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The Indiana Pacers Wednesday signed guard Erick Strickland, who was a valuable reserve with the Boston Celtics last season.

Strickland, a six-year veteran, averaged 7.7 points and 2.3 assists in 79 games for the Celtics.

"We're very happy to have Erick with us," said Pacers President Donnie Walsh. "He is a proven veteran player who can start the game or come off the bench. He is a tough, competitive defender who can also score."

The 6-3 Strickland spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging a career-high 12.8 points in 1999-2000. He also played for New York and Vancouver in 2000-01 before joining the Celtics last season.