Newz Forum: BASKETBALL: Mavs sign top pick Podkolzin

Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Mavericks signed the 21st overall pick in the 2004 Draft Thursday, inking 7-foot-5 Russian center Pavel Podkolzin.

The 260-pound Podkolzin was acquired by the Mavs from the Utah Jazz on a draft-day trade. Dallas did not release the terms of the deal.

Podkolzin was originally an early entry candidate for the 2003 NBA Draft before withdrawing his name. Last season, he appeared in 22 games for Varese in Italy's top league, averaging 2.6 points and 2.3 rebounds during league play and 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14 ULEB Cup games.

As a member of the Mavericks Summer League Team, Podkolzin saw action in six games at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City. He averaged 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per contest.