New York Knicks sign center D.J. Mbenga

It’s been an active day for the New York Knicks as in addition to potentially questioning the fit of Rajon Rondo in the triangle offense, the team has decided to sign veteran center D.J. Mbenga.

More from NBA

If the name sounds familiar that’s likely because it is.

Mbenga was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Mavericks in 2004 and was expected to be an intricate part of the Mavericks’ rotation as he matured. That of course didn’t happen and the Mavs eventually decided to cut ties with D.J. Mbenga in 2007.

His stint in the free agent pool didn’t last long as the Los Angeles Lakers signed the center where he spent parts of three seasons playing for head coach Phil Jackson, who just so happens to be the current New York Knicks president of basketball operations.

It seems rather safe to assume that Jackson’s familiarity with D.J. Mbenga played a part in the big man signing with the New York Knicks.

As to his contract, the Knicks don’t have any money outside of a veteran minimum contract though it’s not known how much of his deal is guaranteed. It seems as if it would be difficult for D.J. Mbenga to make the final New York Knicks roster so it’s very possible the team may be trying to stash Mbenga in the D-League as an additional big body if there was to be an injury at the NBA level.

Despite never averaging more than 8 minutes a game, Mbenga’s best seasons came with the Lakers so it’s possible Phil Jackson feels the center can be a serviceable add for the New York Knicks.

More from FanSided