THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Charlotte Bobcats are exercising the third-year option in guard D.J. Augustin’s contract for the 2010-11 season.
The team has until the end of the month to decide whether to do the same with centre Alexis Ajinca.
Augustin, the ninth pick in the 2008 draft, averaged 11.8 points and 3.5 assists last season. He led NBA rookies by shooting 89 per cent from the foul line.
Augustin will make US$2.1 million next season. Charlotte also has an option for a fourth season.
Bobcats coach Larry Brown was pleased to learn of the team’s decision.
"It’s a no-brainer," Brown said before Tuesday night’s pre-season game in Cleveland. "He had a great year. He’s a great kid and he’s only going to get better."
The seven-foot Ajinca was the 20th pick last year but played sparingly as a rookie. Brown was critical of him before training camp, and general manager Rod Higgins said Tuesday "we’d like to see how it goes in the pre-season" before making a decision.
