Art Garcia | Mavs.com

Posted: July 9, 2008

Gana Diop is back in the fold having signed a contract Wednesday with the Mavericks. The fan favorite, who entered the offseason as a free agent, inked his deals on the first day after the league moratorium.

It’s a reunion for Diop, who spent 2 ½ seasons with the Mavs before being traded to New Jersey as part of the Jason Kidd blockbuster.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Gana back into the Mavericks family,” president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. “At the age of 26, he is a young center in his prime that also possesses significant playoff experience. He was a big part of our Finals run with his ability to defend, block shots and rebound. We are pleased to regain is presence both in the paint and in the locker room.”

Diop (7-0, 280) was originally acquired by the Mavericks via free agency in 2005, played in 214 games (72 starts) and averaged 2.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.50 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game. He was part of the center tandem with Erick Dampier that helped the Mavs to the 2006 Western Conference title and NBA Finals.

The Senegal native spent his first four seasons with Cleveland after being selected eighth overall in 2000 NBA Draft. He holds career averages of 2.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.19 blocks in 434 games. Diop will team once again with Dampier to provide needed depth going into Rick Carlisle’s first season on the bench.