Sonics Sign Cuban Defect

September 16, 1999 / 10:48 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Lazaro Borrell says realizing the dream of signing an NBA contract comes with a price.

"Leaving my family was the most difficult thing," said Borrell, a former Cuban national team player who defected July 17 during the Tournament of the Americas in Puerto Rico. On Thursday, the 6-foot-8 Borrell, 26, signed a two-year contract with the Seattle SuperSonics. Additional terms weren't immediately available.

Borrell, speaking through an interpreter during a news conference, said signing a contract while separated from his parents and three siblings "was very sad, and at the same time it was very exciting."

Since defecting, Borrell worked out for the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat.

"I wanted more freedom to be able to do what I do best, and that's play the game," he said.

Borrell's versatility gives him a real chance to make the Sonics' roster out of training camp, team president Wally Walker said.

"Lazaro has a great feel for the game, a tremendous amount of ability," Walker said.

Borrell averaged 20.8 points per game for Obras Sanitarias in the Argentina Basketball League last season. He averaged 21.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in three games for the Cuban team in Puerto Rico before defecting.

Walker said he was traveling last week when Borrell worked out for Sonics coaches.

"This kind of came out of the blue," Walker said. "After seeing him work out, the coaches called me, and after seeing him play today, I can see why.

He has too much ability for us to pass."

"He's comfortable handling the ball, he's comfortable away from the ball," Billy McKinney, Sonics executive vice president of basketball operations, said. "He's a good passer, he's a good shooter. I could see, once he gets comfortable with the language, maybe playing some shooting guard, maybe even playing the point guard."

McKinney said Borrell has a good chance to make the team, but added, "We're going to have a lot of competition for spots. We have some very hungry people here this year who want to play."

Since last year, the Sonics have let go forwards Detlef Schrempf, Don MacLean, Billy Owens and Aaron Williams, center Olden Polynice, and guards Hersey Hawkins, Drew Barry and John Crotty.

To a core of point guard Gary Payton and forward Vin Baker, they have added forward Horace Grant, center Greg Foster, and guards Vernon Maxwell and Brent Barry, among others.

Borrell will be working with a language coach to lear English, and will also hit the weight room in preparation for training camp, Walker said.

"The curve will be very steep for him in terms of basketball and the language, but he's further ahead in basketball." Walker said. "He'll be given every opportunity to make the club."