Former Denver Nuggets guard and 18th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft Ty Lawson will continue his basketball career in China. Lawson announced the news himself in a video posted on social media Tuesday.
Kings free-agent PG Ty Lawson reached agreement to sign in China with Luis Scola and the Shanxi Dragons. pic.twitter.com/ERpx9mYUvH
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 18, 2017
Lawson most recently played with the Sacramento Kings after stints with the Nuggets, Rockets and Pacers.
The former North Carolina Tar Heel was drafted 18th overall by Minnesota, then traded on draft night to Denver. Lawson played six seasons in Denver, averaging 14.2 points and 6.6 assists over 31.1 minutes. He was the starting point guard on the 2012-13 team that won a franchise record 57 games. Lawson averaged 16.7 points per game that season.
International play isn’t entirely new to Lawson. He played seven games with Žalgiris Kaunas of the Euroleague during the 2011 NBA lockout.
Lawson’s time in Denver was marked by highs and lows. He went to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons and twice led the Nuggets in win shares (effectively the team’s most valuable player). However, multiple off-court incidents involving alcohol and driving under the influence ultimately led to Denver trading him to Houston.