Mavericks sign big man Gooden
July 31, 2009
DALLAS (AP)—The Dallas Mavericks signed Drew Gooden(notes) and expect him to back upDirk Nowitzki(notes) at power forward and play alongside him at center.
The deal, agreed to late last week, was announced Thursday.
Gooden is joining his seventh team, having also played for Memphis, Orlando,Cleveland, Chicago, Sacramento and San Antonio. Over his career, he averages12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
“We are very pleased to add Drew to our front line for the upcomingseason,” team president Donnie Nelson said. “Drew is a veteran player with NBAfinals experience that is entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. Hewill provide valuable minutes at both the center and power forward positionswith his tenacity in the paint, rebounding and ability to knock down shots.”
The Mavericks this week also added the versatile Tim Thomas(notes) to theirfrontcourt rotation.
Thomas and Gooden should help make up for the loss of free agent BrandonBass(notes) to the Orlando Magic and the missed chance on center Marcin Gortat(notes), who wassigned to an offer sheet that was matched by the Magic.
The Mavericks also traded for Shawn Marion(notes) and re-signed Jason Kidd(notes) duringthe offseason.
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