Bulls sign free agent Hodges

The Bulls announced Thursday veteran guard and free agent CraigHodges has signed a multi-year contract.

Hodges, 29, was acquired by the Bulls in a trade last Decemberwhich sent Ed Nealy and a 1989 second-round draft pick to the PhoenixSuns.

He played a key role as the Bulls advanced to the NBA EasternConference finals last season.

"We're very happy to have Craig in the fold," said Jerry Krause,the Bulls' vice president of basketball operations. "He is anintegral part of the team offensively, defensively and off thecourt."

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Hodges began his career with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1982 asa third-round draft choice.

After joining the Bulls, he played for 38 games as MichaelJordan's backup in the shooting guard position.

After Jordan moved in March to point guard, Hodges started hisfirst game and five others before spraining his left ankle.

During his starting stretch, he averaged 16.6 points, shot 55percent from the field and 59 percent from three-point range.

Hodges was the only Bull besides Jordan to finish the seasonranked in the league's top 10 in any category. His shootingpercentage of .417 was fifth best in the three-point field goalcategory.