New York adds aging star to roster in desperate attempt to land "King" James
By Jeremy Strauss
Editor-in-chief
NEW YORK -- Gheorghe Muresan, the 7'7" giant from Romania who ties the record for the tallest player to ever play in the NBA, is coming out of retirement.
With their sights set on luring Lebron James to the Big Apple, the Knicks persuaded Muresan, the former Washington Bullets star quite clearly known for his height, to take a second stab at a career.
"This is a great day for me and my family," said Muresan, before joking, "and Lebron -- what are you waiting for?"
Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said the signing certainly gives New York more depth at the center position.
"He's no Nate Robinson, that's for sure," said D'Antoni. "I really like that about him."
An ecstatic Muresan returns to the NBA to play for one of its worst teams
Muresan is signed for two years, but in one of the strangest contracts in the history of professional sports. First, he becomes the first player ever to earn an hourly wage ($20/hour) rather than a yearly salary. Second, Muresan must complete at least seven hours per week of "Lebron service" leading up to the eventual day Lebron is signed to the Knicks. This can include anything from TV spots to calling Lebron on the phone and pushing his move east.
If such a signing never happens, Muresan's wage will drop $5/hour.
"I've only got a few days until free agency begins," said Muresan. "I'd better get to work."
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