Diop back in Cleveland

DeSagana Diop spent the first four years of his career in Cleveland, four hard, long years toiling on the bench.

He said his third trip back since joining the Mavericks isn't as meaningful as his first two return visits since the coaching staff and front office has turned over, but he did play with some of the Cavs like LeBron and Ira Newble.

Folks around here still remember the jolly 7-footer. One arena worker came over and gave him a high-five as Diop iced down his knees after the morning shootaround.

And Diop said he got stopped on the street last night by a Cavs fan.

"Somebody told me that if we had you we could have beaten the Spurs, or at least gotten closer," Diop said. "I guess you don't know what you have until it's gone."

-- Jeff Caplan

Comments

[Edwin]

Maybe if he worked hard in cleveland, they would have tried to resign him. Some times kids have to fail to realize that they are not in highschool anymore and have to do more than just show up at this level. The cavs could not score against the spurs and we all know Djop would not have done anything about that.

[Chris]

"I guess you don't know what you have until it's gone."

He must be referring to that fan's mind.