Mavs sign big man Drew Gooden

Jul 31, 2009 - 12:15 AM DALLAS(AP) -- The Dallas Mavericks signed Drew Gooden and expect him to back up Dirk Nowitzki 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 averages 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

"We are very pleased to add Drew to our front line for the upcoming season," team president Donnie Nelson said. "Drew is a veteran player with NBA finals experience that is entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. He will provide valuable minutes at both the center and power forward positions with his tenacity in the paint, rebounding and ability to knock down shots."

The Mavericks this week also added the versatile Tim Thomas to their frontcourt rotation.

Thomas and Gooden should help make up for the loss of free agent Brandon Bass to the Orlando Magic and the missed chance on center Marcin Gortat, who was signed to an offer sheet that was matched by the Magic.

The Mavericks also traded for Shawn Marion and re-signed Jason Kidd during the offseason.