Veteran Center Samuel Dalembert To Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have signed veteran center Samuel Dalembert to a one-year deal worth $1.4 million -- or the veteran’s minimum in the NBA. Dalembert will return to Dallas after playing for the Mavericks in the 2013-14 season.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported the deal for the big man known more for his defensive skills and shot-blocking.

The Mavericks are hoping the acquisition of the 34-year-old veteran will help them at the center position. Dallas lost previous starting center Tyson Chandler to the Phoenix Suns in free agency and also came up short in their bid for the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan.

Dallas also acquired veteran center Zaza Pachulia from the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade earlier in the offseason.

Dalembert, who will enter his 14th NBA season, played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 2001 to 2010 when he enjoyed his best playing years in the league. In the 2007-08 season, he averaged 10.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game for the Sixers.

However, he has been traded to multiple teams the last five seasons, with short stints with the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Bucks, Mavericks and Knicks. For his career, Dalembert has averages of 7.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots per game.