Bobcats ink veteran forward

"Othella complements our team well and is a veteran player who can serve as a mentor to our younger players in the frontcourt," Bobcats general manager & head coach Bernie Bickerstaff said. "He brings the toughness that we have displayed in our first two seasons and he understands his role in the team concept on both ends of the floor."

Harrington spent the previous two seasons with the Chicago Bulls and averaged 6.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 142 games.

The 6-9, 235-pounder has appeared in 661 career NBA games with Houston, Vancouver, New York and Chicago and has tallied 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.

"I am very excited to join the Charlotte Bobcats," Harrington said. "I am looking forward to a great season and to jelling with the young guys."

The Bobcats also re-signed second-year point guard Kevin Burleson for the 2006-07 season.

"Kevin Burleson personifies what a team player is. He works hard and is ready whenever he is called upon to perform what is asked of him," Bickerstaff said. "He is a great representative of our organization and we are pleased to have him back."

In his rookie season, Burleson appeared in 39 games and averaged 1.8 points and 1.2 assists.