EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 11 (UPI) -- The New Jersey Nets announced Friday the signing guard Zoran Planinic of Croatia, their first-round pick in the June draft.
Terms were not disclosed, but as the 22nd overall pick, Planinic is eligible for a three-year deal worth at least $2.63 million under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. The Nets also hold the option for the 2006-07 season at $1.147 million.
"We are very pleased to add Zoran to our roster," said New Jersey President Rod Thorn. "He is a 6-7 guard who should add youth and depth to our backcourt."
The Nets attempted to deflect this week's headline story surrounding an unrestricted free agent guard Jason Kidd.
Planinic, 20, played for Cibona Zagreb of the Croatian League the last four seasons. He helped Cibona to the league title each of the last two years and was named the 2001-02 Best Croatian Young Player. He averaged 7.8 points and 2.8 assists per contest in 18 Euroleague contests last season.
