Pistons sign Kwame Brown

Aug 4, 2008 - 3:23 PM AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons on Monday signed underachieving free agent center Kwame Brown, who was taken by the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2001.

Terms were not disclosed, but the Detroit Free Press reported that the 6-11 Brown signed a two-year deal worth $4 million.

"Kwame is a player that gives us depth at the center position, and we feel that he will have an opportunity to grow within our system," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said.

Brown has had a disappointing career, has frequently been criticized for inconsistent play and has a questionable work ethic. He has career averages of 7.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 404 games.

In 2004, the Wizards traded Brown to the Los Angeles Lakers, who sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies last season as part of the Pau Gasol deal.

Brown, 26, appeared in a combined 38 games last season for the Lakers and Grizzlies, averaging 4.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in just under 19 minutes.