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Posted on Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 5:55 p.m.

Former Michigan basketball star DeShawn Sims signs free agent deal with Celtics

By Jeff Arnold

An opportunity for an opportunist.

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DeShawn Sims

That's how former Michigan basketball star DeShawn Sims used a portion of his allotted 140 characters on Twitter to announce he had agreed to a free agent deal with the Boston Celtics on Friday.

Neither Sims nor small forward Manny Harris were selected in Thursday's NBA Draft. Harris was ESPN analyst Chad Ford's top remaining prospect following 60 picks had been made just before midnight Thursday.

Sims did not return phone or text messages seeking comment Friday night.

Sims averaged 16.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during his senior season at Michigan. The 6-8, 235-pound forward hadn't drawn as much draft attention as Harris prior to Thursday's draft despite making a strong showing at the Portsmouth Invitational earlier this summer.

The Celtics selected former Texas guard Avery Bradley and Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody with their two draft picks Thursday.

Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by email at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.

Comments

Townie56

Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 7:29 p.m.

I feel sorry for the kid, he probably made more $$ when he was "in school" at UM

barnz378

Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.

Sims 4 years in school were a good time ane learning experiece for him. He made all the right choices for himself and his best days are ahead. He will do alright. He has quietly fought the good fight. The article in the USA today took me by surprise but I credit his coaching and his hard work for walking away from the University of MICHIGAN with a degree. I could never do that.

bhunter

Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.

There is no way this deal is guaranteed. He'll play in summer league and then disappear to Europe.

Craig Lounsbury

Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.

even if he can find his way to the end of the bench for a year the minimum contract is nearly half a million dollars. Not a bad post college jump start in life if he can make the cut and lives modestly.

AANative

Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.

Congratulations DeShawn, what an opportunity! I'm so glad to know you will get to play with and learn from great players and a great coach. I look forward to following your career in the NBA.

InsideTheHall

Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.

Soft big men who settle for fade away jump shots don't make the NBA.