Spurs Sign Ex-Knick Charlie Ward

By T.A. BADGER
Associated Press Writer

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Former Knicks point guard Charlie Ward chose connections over cash in signing a deal with the San Antonio Spurs.

Terms of the deal were not released. Because the Spurs are already above the league's salary cap, they were limited to being able to pay Ward the minimum of $1 million, prorated for the number of games left in the season.

Agent Craig McKenzie said the deal was reached late Thursday.

"He always had in mind San Antonio," McKenzie said Friday. "But it was a tough decision for him - he turned probably triple the salary to sign with the Spurs."

McKenzie said 14 NBA teams contacted him about the 10-year veteran, with the most interest coming from San Antonio, Houston and New Jersey.

The chance to win a title also factored into Ward's decision to join the defending league champions, who have won 15 of their last 16 games after a slow start.

"Every player wants to win," McKenzie said. "He's been to the (NBA) finals before and he wants to be there again."

In joining the Spurs, Ward will wear the colors of the team that swept the Knicks in the 1999 championship series. The victory gave San Antonio its first NBA title.

But McKenzie said the Spurs' wholesome image played a big role in Ward's choice.

Ward, a devout Christian, has strong ties to several ministries in San Antonio, and he is also a close friend of Spurs forward Bruce Bowen and other players.

"The character of that team swayed the decision," McKenzie said. "He told me a week ago he had a dream that he'd be wearing No. 17 and playing for the Spurs."

The 6-foot-2 Ward wore that number when he led Florida State to the national football championship in 1993 as a quarterback. He won the Heisman Trophy that year, but opted for the NBA instead. He wore No. 21 in New York.

In 580 regular season games with the Knicks, he averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 assists and 1.28 steals per game. This season his numbers were slightly higher in each category.

Spurs officials said Ward's versatility will be an asset on the court and in the locker room.

"He is a veteran leader and a proven winner," San Antonio general manager R.C. Buford said. "He is a well-rounded player who can impact the game on both offense and defense."

The Spurs have been looking all season for a reliable backup for Tony Parker at point guard.

Ward is known for his defense, a skill prized above all others in San Antonio. He is also among the NBA's top 10 in 3-point shooting accuracy this season (42.8 percent in 35 games).

He was part of Monday's trade in which Phoenix sent Stephon Marbury, Penny Hardaway and Cezary Trybanski to the Knicks. The Suns also got Antonio McDyess, Howard Eisley, Maciej Lampe, the rights to Milos Vujanic, and two first-round draft picks.

Phoenix placed Ward on waivers a day later to avoid having to pay him the full $6 million salary he was earning with New York.

McKenzie said Ward was en route to San Antonio on Friday and unavailable to comment. A news conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon prior to the Spurs' home game against Indiana.

Ward is expected to be in uniform for the Pacers game, the Spurs said.

To make room for him on the roster, San Antonio placed reserve point guard Alex Garcia on the injured list.

nice, Ward may get a ring now.

Yeah... Charlie will be okay.... He should be happy with the Spurs.