Nets waive Mutombo

[CeltsSteve@xxxxxxx]

Would Mark Cuban pick up his contract to try getting Dallas to the promised 
land??


Nets waive C Dikembe Mutombo

SportsTicker 

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - Dikembe Mutombo likes to wave his 
finger at opponents who try to challenge him.  On Saturday, the <A HREF="aol://1722:Nets">New Jersey Nets</A> 
waived Mutombo.

Potentially eating more than $35 million in salary, the Nets released 
Mutombo, making the four-time Defensive Player of the Year a free agent.

There have been reports that the Nets were trying to trade Mutombo, 37, who 
has two years and $37 million remaining on his contract.  The Nets did not 
announce whether a buyout or settlement had been reached.

"Dikembe is a first-class individual, and we wish him nothing but the best in 
his future endeavors," Nets president Rod Thorn said in a statement.

Thorn traded for the 7-2 Mutombo after the 2001-02 season, when the Nets 
reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history but were manhandled 
by Shaquille O'Neal and the <A HREF="aol://1722:Lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</A>.

The Nets sent forward Keith Van Horn and center Todd MacCulloch to the <A HREF="aol://1722:76ers">
Philadelphia 76ers</A> for Mutombo, who in his prime was the most intimidating defensive 
player in the NBA.  He often would block a shot and wag his finger at his foe 
as if to say, "Not on me."

After helping the 76ers reach the 2001 Finals, Mutombo signed a four-year 
contract worth an estimated $65 million.  Last December, he suffered a broken 
wrist that forced him to miss four months.

Upon his return, the lumbering Mutombo found himself out of the rotation as 
coach Byron Scott went with a smaller, quicker lineup.  He averaged career lows 
of 5.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in just 24 games.

The Nets returned to the NBA Finals, losing to San Antonio in six games.  
Mutombo had a minor impact with his defense in Game Two but otherwise was not a 
factor.

Thorn's decision to release Mutombo was made a bit easier by the offseason 
signing of free agent center Alonzo Mourning, who played collegiately with 
Mutombo at Georgetown. The Nets also have Jason Collins and Aaron Williams as 
options at center.

A future Hall of Famer who is building a hospital in his homeland of Africa, 
Mutombo has averaged 12.2 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.33 blocks in 864 games 
with Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New Jersey.  He is a seven-time 
All-Star.
   
10-04-03 21:42 ET
                
    
CeltsSteve