PORTLAND, Ore. — In need of help in the middle, the Trail Blazers acquired Marcus Camby to fill the void left by injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla.
Portland sent guard Steve Blake and forward Travis Outlaw to the Clippers on Tuesday for Camby, a 14-year veteran who is second in the NBA in rebounding and sixth in blocked shots.
“I think it’s a great situation for myself. It’s a first-class organization that really takes care of their own,” Camby said. “I hope I can bring my knowledge of the game, and blend in these last 27 games. I’m really excited to be here.”
The Clippers also get cash in the deal.
The Blazers came out of the all-star break in eighth place in the Western Conference, even though they have dealt with a litany of injuries. Oden and Przybilla are out for the season and all-star Brandon Roy hasn’t played since Jan. 20 because of a hamstring injury.
Forward Nicolas Batum, guard Rudy Fernandez and Outlaw have all missed significant time because of injuries.
Camby, who won’t play for the Blazers until Friday’s home game against the Celtics, is a former defensive player of the year and two-time member of the NBA all-defensive team. In 51 games this season with the Clippers, he averaged 7.7 points, 12 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots.
Camby, 35, said he was looking forward to playing again with Portland guard Andre Miller. While in Denver, Camby and Miller played on three NBA playoff teams from 2003-05.
“I love to play with Andre Miller because he is so unselfish,” Camby said.
The Blazers were able to part with Blake because of the development of Jerryd Bayless and the presence of Miller.
Blake was averaging 7.6 points and 27 minutes for the Blazers.
Outlaw has been one of Portland’s key reserves during the Blazers’ turnaround in recent seasons. He was averaging 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds.
