Nets’ makeover continues with signing of Mercer

"Ron will fill our opening at the two guard position," said Nets CEO Rod Thorn. "He is a proven NBA scorer who will be a welcome addition to our roster."

Mercer, 6-foot-7 and 201 pounds, spent the 2003-04 season, his seventh in the NBA, with the San Antonio Spurs. He played just 39 games due to various injuries, and suffered his least-productive scoring season with just 5.0 points per contest.

The University of Kentucky product has also spent time with the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers. He holds career averages of 13.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 31.5 minutes per game. His career shooting percentage stands at .430.

Mercer, originally drafted No. 6 overall by Boston in 1997, has yet to match the 80 games he played during his rookie campaign. During that season, he earned NBA First Team All-Rookie honors. Mercer has averaged just 60 games played over his career, and also appeared in 11 postseason contests.

The Nets will have a new look in 2004-05. After having its run of two consecutive Eastern Conference championships ended by the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey traded Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles, two players who combined for nearly 30 points per outing a year ago.