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Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced that the team has signed guard DeShawn Stevenson. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“DeShawn is a very tough and hard-nosed player who has been a starter in this league,” said Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. “He is a very explosive and athletic player and will be a solid addition to our team.”

“DeShawn is an explosive player who can drive to the basket,” said Wizards Head Coach Eddie Jordan. “He is a sound perimeter defender who will add toughness to our team.”

Last season, Stevenson (6-5, 210) averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists and connected on a career-best 46 percent of his field goal attempts in a career-high 82 games for the Magic. Stevenson was one of only 12 players in the NBA to start all 82 games for their respective teams. In two and a half seasons with the Magic, Stevenson averaged 10.0 points and 3.1 points per game. Prior to joining the Magic, Stevenson spent three and a half seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. In his six-year NBA career, Stevenson is averaging 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.

“This is a very good opportunity for me,” said Stevenson. “They have a great team and I feel that I can add my toughness to the team. I feel this is going to be a very good situation for me.”

Originally drafted from Washington Union High School (Fresno, CA) by the Utah Jazz in the first round (23th overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft, Stevenson was traded to the Magic along with a future second round draft pick in exchange for Gordon Giricek.

Stevenson on joining the Wizards: “It is a good situation for me. I am glad to be here. This is a situation where I can come in and help the team defensively. They already have a great team with great core players. I just want to come in and add to that.”

Stevenson on his game: “I am starting to come into my own and I know my niche in the league. I have been working on my game and that is what you have to do to get better in this league. I feel this is a great fit for me. All I have to do is go out there and play and work hard.”

Stevenson on Coach Jordan: “I have spoken to coach a lot. He said he likes my toughness, my defensive presence and my ability to finish around the basket."

Stevenson on why he chose the Wizards: “This is a perfect for me. This is a team that has advanced to the playoffs for two straight seasons. I am excited to play here because it is a good environment. It is also a good opportunity to go out there and prove myself again, especially with a team that is on a playoff run.”

Stevenson on his new teammates: “I played with Caron (Butler) and Gilbert (Arenas) when I was in high school. I am just excited to be here and I am looking forward to getting to know my new teammates.”

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