Joel Freeland Signs With Portland Trailblazers

By Sam Neter on July 13, 2012

It’s official – Joel Freeland is now a member of the Portland Trailblazers after signing his contract today, becoming another British basketball player in the NBA to join Luol Deng.

It has been six years since the Trailblazers first drafted Freeland, having watched his ascension to become one of the top big men in Europe, and now it would seem, is the right time for the 6’10” forward to make the jump.

Press release courtesy of Portland Trailblazers:

“The Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward Joel Freeland, it was announced today by General Manager Neil Olshey. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Trail Blazers’ 30th overall selection in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft, Freeland joins the Trail Blazers from Unicaja Malaga in the Spanish ACB League.

“The timing was right to bring Joel over and we’re thrilled it worked out,” said Olshey. “He is a rugged interior player with a nice touch around the basket and he plays hard every game. Joel will be a nice addition to the roster.”

Over the past three seasons with Unicaja Malaga, Freeland (6-11, 225) posted averages of 12.6 points (55.3% FG), 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 24.6 minutes in Euroleague and ACB play. He spent the previous three seasons with Gran Canaria, also of the Spanish ACB League.

Freeland, 25, is a starter for the Great Britain national basketball team, which will compete as the host country in this summer’s London Olympics. A native of Farnham, England, he led the national team with 15 points in a game vs. Spain earlier this week.

He will wear No. 19 with the Trail Blazers.”

How do you think Joel will do in the NBA? Will you be following?!

Image Credit: Portland Trailblazers Instagram

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