TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors terminated the contract of
Nate Huffman on Thursday after the rookie center failed to inform
the team of his history of knee problems.
The 7-foot-1 Huffman signed a three-year, $5.1-million contract
with Toronto over the summer after averaging 18.8 points and 7.5
rebounds for Israeli League champion Maccabi Elite Tel-Aviv last
season.
Huffman, who was out indefinitely with a sore right knee,
averaged 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in seven games for Toronto
this season. He had surgery on the knee in October.
"Huffman failed to disclose his history of knee problems. Had
those injuries been disclosed as required, the club would not have
entered into the contract,'' the team said in a statement Thursday.
Bill Duffy, Huffman's agent, said a grievance will be filed.
Duffy said Huffman never saw a doctor about his knee before
signing with Toronto.
"Just trainers,'' Duffy said.
Duffy also released a statement saying he disagreed with
Toronto's decision.
"Our position differs from the Raptors and we will work on
Nate's behalf to ensure that he is treated fairly in this matter,''
Duffy said.
NBA Players Association spokesman Dan Wasserman said he couldn't
recall any team in recent memory taking a similar action.
Huffman was the MVP of both the Suproleague and Israeli League
in the 2000-01 season.