The New York Knicks have signed former Lakers center Didier “DJ” Mbenga, who played for Phil Jackson and with Derek Fisher for a couple of seasons, according to Marc J Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
Mbenga, 33, won two titles (2009 and 2010) with the Lakers, but barely received playing time as their reserve center. In his seven seasons in the league, he’s averaged 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in just 6.7 minutes.
From Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports:
The Knicks announce signing of center Didier Mbenga, an ex-Laker who spent the last two seasons playing overseas in China & the Philippines.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 8, 2014
This acquisition may seem to be a questionable move for the Knicks, but the most valid reason would possibly be the center’s familiarity with the Triangle offense and relationship with Fisher and Jackson. A 7-footer can definitely provide a huge presence inside the paint, which is what Mbenga can guarantee, but other than that—we have yet to see anything else.
For the last two seasons, the Congo-native has been playing overseas in China (2012) and the Philippines (2013). And this will be the fifth team that he’s played for in his NBA career.
Benjamin Felix Santos is currently a senior college student from the Philippines. An aspiring NBA writer, who bleeds the purple and gold. His love and passion for the game will never die.
You may find his other musings at the Lake Show Life.
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