Mavs Sign Juwan Howard, Release DJ Mbenga

[VC3]

The Mavericks picked up some much-needed frontline help by agreeing to terms with free agent Juwan Howard today. The contract can’t be completed until Howard clears waivers tomorrow

Howard (6-9, 253) hit the open market after Minnesota bought out his contract. The power forward has averaged 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds over his 12-year career, including a stint in Dallas over parts of two season (2000-01 and ’01-02).

“Juwan was too big of an opportunity to pass up,” president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson told mavs.com. “Juwan is a winner, he’s a leader and he knows the Maverick way.

“He can swing from the ‘4’ to ‘5,’ so it gives us tremendous flexibility on the frontline.”

Howard should join the rotation immediately backing up Gana Diop and Dirk Nowitzki up front. The Mavs were in need of help down low, especially with Erick Dampier out. Brandon Bass was the only other healthy big man with NBA experience on the roster.

The team made room for Howard by releasing third-year center DJ Mbenga, who has recently come back from a last year’s season-ending knee injury.

“DJ needs an opportunity to play and develop,” Nelson said. “We appreciate everything he’s done for us and he’s been a big part of our success. We’re hopeful that with playing time, whether it’s in the NBA or Europe, he’ll be able to join our team in the future.”​

LINK

 

[jarrod2323]

Maple's 2nd favorite Mav, Mbenga is now gone..

 

[Pugz]

Good I'm glad the Cavs didn't get him.

 

[MapleLeaf]

This pretty much proves we've given up on Dampier

Why the did we release Mbenga? I

 

[DJT]

Wow if those are his 2 greatest moments....then no wonder he was released, plus he can't even say TACO....he sounded like DACO. Howard should be a good pick-up. Interesting they have 2 Howards and both prefer to wear #5.

 

[MapleLeaf]

He spent his entire life in the Congo, so he speaks it pretty well for only being here for like 2-3 years. And he has more moments, those are just my personal favorites. He always grabs tons of rebounds and is a huge threat to block shots in. Has potential to, really wish we kept on to him.

 

[DJT]

Don't worry he'll probably either head east....like Europe or somewhere or get signed in the D-League.

 

[MapleLeaf]

LOL, you have to be pretty good to make a team that won 67 games last year. heck, on some teams he might be the backup. He never got the playing time really. He has the potential. There were just always so many options on the Mavs and he got so very few minutes he really never got to show his awesomeness.

 

[Big Bid'Ness]

Wow if those are his 2 greatest moments....then no wonder he was released, plus he can't even say TACO....he sounded like DACO. Howard should be a good pick-up. Interesting they have 2 Howards and both prefer to wear #5.

Well we get to see J-Ho Sr. And J-Ho Jr.

 

[-Torres-]

I wish the Celtics would pick up Mbenga.