Newz Forum: BASKETBALL: Knicks re-sign veteran Vin Baker

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Knicks re-signed veteran forward Vin Baker on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Baker, who has had a history of alcohol-related problems, played in 54 games last season with Boston and New York. He played well for the Celtics, averaging 11.3 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds in 37 contests, before being suspended indefinitely for violating terms of his alcohol treatment program.

After the veteran missed 10 games due to his violation, his contract was terminated with 2 1/2 years remaining. Baker then filed a grievance, which was eventually settled with Boston, and signed with the Knicks as a free agent on March 11. He played in 17 games with the Knicks, netting 6.6 points with 4.1 rebounds per game.

"Vin gave us a solid presence off the bench at the end of last season and in the playoffs," Knicks president of basketball operations Isiah Thomas said. "With a fresh start at training camp with the team, we know he’ll be an even more productive force."

Baker, who was originally selected eighth overall by Milwaukee back in 1993, has had stints with the Bucks, Seattle, Boston and Knicks. In 756 career games, Baker has averaged 15.6 points and hauled down 7.7 rebounds per game.

Baker signed a lucrative seven-year, $86 million free-agent contract with Seattle in 1996 after averaging 21 points and 10.3 rebounds with the Bucks the previous year.