The Mavericks continue to survey their big-man options in the wake of Tim Thomas having to leave the team to tend to his ill wife. Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.com reports that the team is close to signing a replacement for training camp. As we noted last week, Brian Cardinal, Steve Novak, and Bobby Simmons each worked out with Dallas. Additionally, Ike Diogu has emerged as a possibility, reports Fisher.
Diogu, 27, missed all of last season due to a knee injury after signing with the New Orleans Hornets. The 6-foot-9 power forward split the four seasons before last between four different teams, averaging 6.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in just 12.4 minutes per game. A 50.1 percent shooter from the floor, he could still help an NBA team if given the right opportunity. He has the most upside of any player linked to the Mavericks so far.
Keep checking this StoryStream for more information on the Thomas-replacement situation as it becomes available.