Cavs Look To Sign Keon Clark

[SkipToMy_Lou]

The Cavaliers are in the market for a some help at power forward.

With Anderson Varejao out four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain, the team is needy at the spot, because Robert Traylor has settled in at backup center.

The Cavaliers are evaluating their options to sign a player to a 10-day contract to help in the short term.

It is believed their top target is Keon Clark, a talented but maligned forward who hasn't played in the league this season.

The team talked with Clark about signing in September, but he didn't feel he was ready to return to the league at the time. Clark, a 6-foot-11 power forward, has a long-standing relationship with Mark Warkentien, the Cavaliers' director of player personnel.

He missed almost all of last season with injuries, but has averaged 8.2 points and 5.9 rebounds over his career. The last time he played regularly, for the Sacramento Kings in the 2003 playoffs, he was a difference-maker off the bench.

Otherwise, the pickings are slim. Looking at players with NBA experience, Gary Trent and Eddie Robinson are also options if Clark doesn't work out.

Trent was cut by the Chicago Bulls in training camp and is playing in Greece. Robinson played well for Cavaliers coach Paul Silas with the Hornets, but fell out of favor with the Bulls and was bought out of his contract earlier this season. He later failed a physical with the New York Knicks, casting doubt on his status.

If the Cavaliers go the CBA route, they might look at Cleveland native Sam Clancy. Though perhaps a little undersized to play power forward, Clancy is averaging 17.1 points and 10.6 points for the Idaho Stampede.

According to Silas, former New Jersey Net Jayson Williams, who worked out for the Cavaliers in the preseason, is not an option.

In the short term, DeSagana Diop, headed toward free agency at the end of the season and mired on the end of the bench since September, is slated to get more minutes.

``For the first time he's going to get extended minutes,'' Silas said. ``He's got to show that he can do it; it's up to him.''

Link: http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/10742063.htm','41

[j.23]

what the fuck, they found keon clark?
where the hell has he been hiding all this time

[cyanide]

How old is he anyway? I love that guy when he was playing for the Raptors. He can help defensively.

[Amphatoast]

I'm suprised no one had him yet..he is pretty decent player who can help out many teams that need someone at PF/C

[thegreatdivide]

i think he's like 31 or something...
i know id pick him up in a heartbeat if i was a gm

[Andrew]

Clark's really a forgotten player. It was only a couple of years ago he was considered one of the second-tier free agents and sought after by teams looking to fill the "spark plug off the bench" role.

[Matt]

he was really good when he wanted to be....he'd hit long jumpers from anywhere, take players off the dribble, rebound, block shots etc.....if he can get back to that level he'd be handy for the Cavs

[SkipToMy_Lou]

Yeah most definetely, thing is he's been AWOL for that long it will be interesting too see why he hasn't been picked up by the Nets. I think they would need him a little more then what the Cavs do.

[SkipToMy_Lou]

The Cavaliers have reportedly signed veteran big man, Keon Clark to a 10-day contract.

Clark missed most of last season with numerous injuries, and has not played at all this year. The Cavs had interest in Clark during the off-season, but neither side could agree to terms on a deal.

Clark is a wiry, 6-11 forward/center who plays with an aggressive attitude. He's also a proven shot blocker. He has career averages of 8.2 points and 5.9 rebounds.

Seems complete now.

[Indy]

Keon Clark is a fabolous guy to have on the team.

great pickup by the cavs.

[Littlejor]

[Doobie]

yup cavs got sumthing good , but tractor trailers been playing excellent , well atleast last night against my knicks