Willis is in

The Mavs are planning to sign center Kevin Willis, 44, to a 10-day contract.

Willis will undergo an intense physical tomorrow, and the Mavs hope he will be able to join them in time to practice in Phoenix on Monday.

Willis last played in 2004-05 with Atlanta, but he never officially retired.

The Mavs' plan is to have Willis participate in a few practices to get him comfortable and in game shape, and then have him ready to play April 6 in Denver at the earliest.

"We don't want Kevin to look bad," coach Avery Johnson said. "He's had a celebrated career. He has played a long time."

The move means the Mavs will have finally filled the roster vacancy left by the season-ending injury to DJ Mbenga. Willis will be the team's third center behind Erick Dampier and DeSagana Diop.