The Knicks have solidified their point guard rotation, and they have done so by signing a 35-year-old rookie.
After a brief holdup due to FIBA logistical matters, the Knicks announced they have finally signed Argentinian-born Euroleague star Pablo Prigioni.
While terms of the deal were not disclosed, Prigioni, the starting point guard for Argentina’s national team, reportedly will be under a one-year contract for the rookie minimum salary of $473, 604.
Prigioni may be getting up there in age, but he is well-seasoned. Since turning professional at 18, he has enjoyed great success abroad not only with the Argentinian national team, but with three different teams in Spain’s ACB League, regarded as one of the most competitive in all of Europe.
Most recently, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Prigioni played 39 ACB League games and 10 Euroleague games for Caja Laboral in 2011-12. In Euroleague play, he averaged 9.8 points and 4.7 assists per game.
Prigioni is expected to be third on the Knicks’ depth chart behind Raymond Felton, who was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Portland Trail Blazers last week, and free agent acquisition Jason Kidd.
Prigioni is currently preparing with Argentina for the London Olympics, which begin with pool play on Sunday. In international play, Prigioni has earned a bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the 2010 World Championships.
In an exhibition game this past Sunday against a United States squad that features future Knicks teammates Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler, Prigioni finished with eight points, six assists and just two turnovers in 33 minutes of action in an 86-80 USA win.
The United States and Argentina will play for real on Aug. 6 in the Pool A finale for both teams. Both squads are among the favorites to medal in London.
