Clippers’ Rebraca Signs 3-Year Deal

A day after a news conference introducing free-agent guard Cuttino Mobley, the Clippers announced the signing of backup center Zeljko Rebraca to a three-year, $9-million deal.

Rebraca, who is 7 feet, averaged 5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 58 games last year with the Clippers.

“I’m very happy to be back,” said Rebraca, a four-year NBA veteran who also played with the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks. “Mike [Dunleavy’s] an excellent coach and we have all the group coming back from last year. I’m excited and my family is happy to stay.”

Rebraca, slowed by injuries and illness last year, provides depth behind starters Chris Kaman and Elton Brand in the frontcourt.

“Last year when he was healthy, he was a force in the middle,” General Manager Elgin Baylor said. “He can score in the low post and maintain his position. He’s strong. He can push most guys around in the block. I don’t know about Shaq, but most guys.”

Baylor said the Clippers are talking with agents of other players, however the team’s main focus is signing restricted free agent Marko Jaric.

“We are hoping to get Marko’s situation resolved,” Baylor said. “That’s important to us and we are meeting with Marko and his agent tomorrow.”

Rebraca, who like Jaric is a native of Serbia, expressed hope the Clippers could sign the 6-foot-7 guard.

“I’ll be glad if he comes back,” Rebraca said. “I think he’s important to the team and we’ll see what he decides.”