Atlanta ? Jacque Vaughn is a member of the Atlanta Hawks once again.
Vaughn, a 28-year-old former Kansas University basketball point guard who played for the Orlando Magic last year, Thursday signed with the Hawks.
Vaughn was with the Hawks during the 2001-02 season, appearing in all 82 games and posting career highs in points (6.6), rebounds (2.0) and assists (4.3).
Last season, Vaughn averaged 5.9 points and 2.9 assists in 80 games for the Magic. He started 48 games.
“It’s a great feeling,” Vaughn said of returning to Atlanta where it’s believed he signed a one-year deal. Terms were not disclosed.
“It’s a different situation in the sense of the coaching staff that’s here, but familiar territory — a good combination when you put them together. I’m coming in with a fresh start and at the same time bringing some of the good things I brought before.”
Vaughn played for Lon Kruger during his first stint in Atlanta. He now will play for coach Terry Stotts, a 1980 Oklahoma graduate.
Vaughn, who became a free agent after completing his one-year deal with Orlando, said he enjoyed his stint with the Florida team.
“I learned a lot of basketball in Orlando. I played with one of the better guys in the league,” Vaughn said of Tracy McGrady. “We came up a little short in the playoffs but it was good to be back in the postseason, to have that feeling back in me. Hopefully we can get that feeling back here also.”
Vaughn was a first-round pick (28th overall) out of Kansas by Utah in 1997. He spent four seasons with the Jazz, appearing in the 1998 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls.
Vaughn will have to beat out former Gonzaga player Dan Dickau for the starting spot. Jason Terry also is on the roster.
“I think I’m a coach’s point guard in the sense that I do the things I’m asked to do. I sacrifice my game for the team,” Vaughn said. “Whether I’m diving on the floor or making shots, I can do what I’m asked to do.”
Asked about Dickau, Vaughn said, “I guess we have a commonality in that my first four years in the league I played with (Gonzaga alum) John Stockton, and Dan played at Gonzaga. I know he’s played against John in the summertime, but I think that’s the only thing we have in common until we really get to know each other on the bus a little bit.”
The 1997 KU grad was asked Thursday if he ever considered scrapping basketball and running for governor of California. Vaughn hails from Pasadena.
“I’ve been keeping up a little bit with the recall and everything that’s going on out there. However, I’m fortunate to say that I have a lot of mileage left in this body, and I plan to use it all up,” Vaughn said with a smile.
