Toronto Raptors Pick Up Marco Belinelli's Player Option for 2010-11

The Toronto Raptors have officially announced they picked up the fourth-year option on Marco Belinelli's rookie contract on Raptors.com. Belinelli is now under contract with the Raptors through the 2010-11 season.

Marco Belinelli was acquired in a trade this summer from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Devean George and cash considerations. Devean George was originally acquired by the Raptors in the Hedo Turkoglu sign-and-trade from Dallas.

An Italian national team player with Raptor Andrea Bargnani, Bellinelli played professionally in Italy for five seasons before being drafted 18th by the Golden State Warriors in 2007.

Never really getting out of Don Nelson's dog house, Marco Belinelli has only played in 75 NBA games during his first two seasons.

In the 42 games Belinelli got to play last season, he managed 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 steals in 21 minutes. And he shot 39.7 percent from three-point range.

Toronto fans should remember how he burned the Raptors for 23 points and six assists, connecting on five of eight from three on Dec. 29 last year.

During the preseason in Toronto, fans were only treated to glimpses of Marco Belinelli's talent as he struggled with his shooting.  However, on opening night in Toronto, Belinelli helped the Raptors run up a 21-point lead in the second quarter by scoring ten points including a three-point shot and a driving slam dunk.

Marco Belinelli is the no-conscience shooter the Raptors have needed to bring instant scoring off the bench, and the ideal replacement to the failed experiment with Jason Kapono.

For more on Marco Belinelli check out: Marco Belinelli, A Shooting Star