CLEVELAND, July 23 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers, continuing to rebuild around rookie phenom LeBron James, have signed free agent swingman Ira Newble.
Terms were not disclosed.
Newble is a three-year veteran who spent the last two seasons with Atlanta, gaining a reputation as a defensive player.
"Signing Ira Newble takes our plan another step forward," said Vice President Jim Paxson. "He's a big, strong veteran player that will play an important role for us this season and in the future as he continues to grow."
Last season, the 6-7 Newble averaged 7.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 73 games for the Hawks. He shot 49.5 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range.
An undrafted free agent out of Miami (Ohio), Newble played 27 games for San Antonio in the 2000-01 season and 42 for Atlanta in the 2001-02 campaign. He has career averages of 6.7 points and 3.7 rebounds.
