BIG MAN UPDATE from Fort Worth Star Telegram

[zanahale]

Here is part of a new article from the Fort Worth Star Telegram (01/24/04):

Mavericks' quest for a new big man going small-time
By Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

CHICAGO - The search for another Mavericks big man continues, but unlike the Rasheed Wallace furor, the current hunt is more pedestrian. Backup centers and power forwards at the low end of the salary scale are the targets, according to league sources.

Among those being considered are Jake Tsakalidis (Memphis), Joel Przybilla (Milwaukee), Primoz Brezec (Indiana), Loren Woods (Miami), Michael Doleac (New York), Scott Williams (Phoenix) and Brendan Haywood (Washington). The Mavs can absorb minimum salaries by creating a roster spot.

The Mavs have 15 players, but they can make room by cutting reserve center Mamadou N'diaye, whose second 10-day contract expires Monday. Signing N'diaye for the remainder of the season is a remote possibility.

The Mavs are reluctant to make a move for a high-dollar player such as Wallace because it would mean trading one of their top players. Antawn Jamison is the name most often mentioned, but Antoine Walker and Michael Finley haven't been immune to trade rumors.

Mavs management has stressed that unless a deal impossible to turn down is presented, they prefer to stay with the current team through the end of the season. The trade deadline is Feb. 19.



Link to the full article