News: Center D.J. Mbenga has agreed to a deal to play professional basketball in China. Mbenga is playing with Qingdao.
Analysis: Mbenga is joining Tracy McGrady in China and is unlikely to return this season. He has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: The Hornets will be without starting center Emeka Okafor for 1-3 weeks with an injury and the team will have to turn elsewhere for low-post production. The Hornets had Aaron Gray coming back early from his own injury to help out. The other possibilities in the post are D.J. Mbenga, David Andersen and Jason Smith, who started and played quite well. Coach Monty Williams did not detail how he planned to use each prior to Tuesday's game against the Wizards but Mbenga only played three minutes. He only had one rebound as his only discernible stat.
Analysis: Mbenga is a 7-footer from Zaire and he's 30 years old already. Only averaging 8.1 minutes per game this season, Mbenga averages 1.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and almost a block per game. Those stats have a chance to rise in the short term, but we doubt it will be enough for him to start garnering Fantasy viability. Leave him on waivers.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Hornets C D.J. Mbenga has lost his spot in the rotation to Aaron Gray. Mbenga hasn't played since Dec. 31. “D.J. just knows he has to be ready when his time is called, but Aaron has been pretty good for us,’’ coach Monty Williams said. “He’s got a lot better understanding of what we want to do, he knows all of our sets, and he’s big. He didn’t play all year, but he kept working and is a good soldier.’’
Analysis: Mbenga is in his seventh NBA season and has never played more than 49 games in any single campaign. He is now the third-string big man in the Big Easy and should continue to be ignored in Fantasy play for the time being.
News: Hornets center D.J. Mbenga logged 12 minutes on Friday night against the Thunder after missing two straight games with a stomach virus. He missed both of his shots from the field and grabbed just one rebound. Mbenga would add one block in the Hornets' 92-97 loss.
Analysis: Mbenga isn't exactly a big contributor for New Orleans, even when healthy. He nothing more than a backup center and can be ignored in all Fantasy formats. He's not owned in any CBSSports.com leagues for a reason.
News: New Orleans center D.J. Mbenga (stomach virus) missed his second straight game Wednesday as the Hornets routed Detroit, 93-74. Mbenga, who is averaging 1.0 points per game and 1.9 rebounds per game, has logged more than 10 minutes in just five contests this season.
Analysis: Mbenga's Fantasy value will be the same whether he is in the lineup or not for the Hornets: non-existent. His current ownership in CBS leagues should be indicative of the number of rosters he should be on -- zero.
News: Hornets C D.J. Mbenga was held out of Sunday's game against the Spurs in San Antonio. The team announced that he is dealing with a stomach virus.
Analysis: Mbenga is considered day-to-day, but most Fantasy owners will not even realize he was missing. He is not a featured part of the team's rotation and is not in a position to put up significant numbers. He should be left off rosters until further notice.
News: The New Orleans Hornets signed 7-foot center D.J. Mbenga. He was a free agent after playing 49 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. He averaged 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game for Los Angeles and had his first career double-double against the Hornets early last season with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Analysis: Mbenga also played in three games during the 2010 playoffs, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. As well as playing for the Belgian national squad, Mbenga was with Dallas from 2004-07, Golden State for part of the 2007-08 season and then the Lakers from 2008-10. As a backup, he isn't expect enough playing time to be useful in Fantasy.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga (eye) remained out on Monday for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Jazz. He has not played since the Lakers' first-round playoff series after undergoing laser eye surgery.
Analysis: Mbenga played only 7.2 minutes a game for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds. He's merely a big body at the end of the bench, and will have little if any Fantasy value heading into 2010/11.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga, who had a second laser surgery on his eye to repair two retinal holes on Sunday, did not play during Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder.
Analysis: It is not certain when Mbenga will return, but his presence is not going to deter Los Angeles' playoff hopes. Mbenga averaged less than 10 minutes per game during the regular season and was just a fresh body to spell some starters. Mbenga will have pretty much no Fantasy value on Draft Day 2010.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga had a second laser surgery on his eye to repair two retinal holes on Sunday. Mbenga, who won't play in Game 5, got elbowed in the head during practice.
Analysis: Mbenga played only 7.2 minutes a game for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds. He's merely a big body at the end of the bench, and will have little if any Fantasy value heading into 2010/11.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga got some minutes in Saturday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mbenga played five minutes, scoring three points on 1 of 3 shooting. He also picked up three rebounds. Mbenga had previously not played a minute in the playoffs because of an eye injury.
Analysis: Mbenga played only 7.2 minutes a game for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds. He's merely a big body at the end of the bench, and will have little if any Fantasy value heading into 2010/11.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga did not play in Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Thunder on Thursday. He had laser surgery on Saturday to repair a retinal hole in his eye.
Analysis: Mbenga played only 7.2 minutes a game for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds. He's merely a big body at the end of the bench, and will have little if any Fantasy value heading into 2010/11.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga did not play in Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinals against the Thunder on Tuesday. He had laser surgery on Saturday to repair a retinal hole in his eye.
Analysis: Mbenga played only 7.2 minutes a game for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds. He's merely a big body at the end of the bench, and will have little if any Fantasy value heading into 2010/11.
News: According to the official team website, Lakers C D.J. Mbenga underwent successful laser surgery to repair a retinal hole. Mbenga said his vision improved within 5 to 10 minutes. Mbenga was knocked in the head twice on Friday's and Saturday's practice. It was also cleared up that he hadn't suffered a concussion. “Now it’s cool, my vision is better and I have to (wear protective goggles) for the rest of the season,” said the fifth-year big man. Mbenga will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's playoff game against the Thunder. "Tomorrow (Tuesday) they’ll tell me if I can play or not,” he said.
Analysis: While the news is good for Mbenga and the Lakers, it really has no impact on Fantasy owners. Mbenga sees minimal minutes off the bench and provides no Fantasy value. He averaged just 2.1 points on the season, therefore he will likely go undrafted on Draft Day.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga had retinal surgery on his left eye after getting struck in practice Saturday, his second hit in the head in two days. He did not play in Sunday's contest against the Thunder and will be reevaluated on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
Analysis: Mbenga sees minimal minutes off the bench and provides no Fantasy value. He averaged just 2.1 points on the season, therefore he will likely go undrafted on Draft Day.
News: Lakers C DJ Mbenga had 13 rebounds but little offensive success while starting for the first time in his three seasons with the Lakers on Friday night in a win over the Grizzlies. Mbenga scored five points on 2 of 7 shooting in 30 minutes on the floor. He blocked four shots.
Analysis: Mbenga got the start on Friday with both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol out with injury. He had not played more than 10 minutes in a game this season before Friday. It is clear that with playing time Mbenga will get plenty of blocks and boards but the scoring is a work in progress. He has low-end Fantasy appeal until he sees consistent playing time.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga, getting to start Thursday's preseason game against the Nuggets with both Andrew Bynum (shoulder) and Pau Gasol (hamstring) sidelined by injuries, had eight points, two assists and a remarkable seven blocks in 27 minutes.
Analysis: Mbenga has some ability as a shot blocker, but he won't get much playing time as the Lakers' third-string center. Ignore him on Draft Day.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga tied his career high with five of the Lakers' 14 blocked shots in Friday's game against the Timberwolves. The Lakers' second unit played the final period, giving them valuable experience and the coaching staff a chance to assess their skills ahead of the playoffs.
Analysis: Mbenga had 10 points and four rebounds in the game, but at was a fluky performance that shouldn't have many Fantasy owners after him off the waiver wire. He played a lot of garbage time and is not in line to continue this type of output playing under 15 minutes per game on most nights.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga had no points with 2 rebounds in Thursday's win over Miami. He logged just 2 minutes of action off the bench.
Analysis: Mbenga has played just 12 minutes combined over his last three games and has scored just a point in that span. Clearly, he's a player that should not be owned in Fantasy.
News: The Los Angeles Lakers signed center D.J. Mbenga for the rest of the season Monday.
Analysis: Mbenga was originally signed to a 10-day contract on Jan. 21, a week after center Andrew Bynum suffered a left knee injury. He is still not in line for heavy minutes and he is not a viable Fantasy option.
News: Lakers C D.J. Mbenga was signed to a second 10-day contract Friday.
Analysis: Mbenga is still not in line for heavy minutes and he is not a viable Fantasy option.
News: The Lakers signed free-agent center DJ Mbenga to a 10-day contract Monday. The 7-footer from the Congo was released by Golden State on Jan. 6.
Analysis: Mbenga was averaging 1.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.63 blocked shots and 8.1 minutes in 16 games with the Warriors. Recent injuries to C Andrew Bynum and F Trevor Ariza forced the Lakers to sign him for depth. He has no Fantasy value.
News: The Golden State Warriors waived center D.J. Mbenga on Sunday after just 16 games with the team. They also recalled center Kosta Perovic from its NBDL affiliate in Bakersfield. Mbenga, the former Dallas reserve, signed with the Warriors on Nov. 17. He averaged 1.2 points and 1.9 rebounds with the club, but Golden State cut him before Thursday, when his contract would have become a guaranteed deal for the rest of the season. Perovic was assigned to Bakersfield on the same day Golden State signed Mbenga. The Serbian center was the 38th overall pick in the 2006 draft, but hasn't played with the Warriors.
Analysis: Mbenga was only averaging 8.1 minutes, 1.2 points and 1.9 rebounds this season, so hopefully none of you had him on your roster. As for Perovic, we wouldn't suggest grabbing him just yet in any format.
News: The Golden State Warriors signed center DJ Mbenga before opening their five-game East Coast road trip, waiving second-round draft pick Stephane Lasme to make room.
Analysis: Mbenga has been out of the league since Dallas cut him Oct. 30. He averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 79 games over the Mavericks' past three seasons, but played only 21 games last season before tearing ligaments in his right knee Feb. 7. Ignore him in Fantasy play.
News: To make room for newly signed F Juwan Howard, the Mavericks waived center D.J. Mbenga on Tuesday. The 7-footer played only 21 games last season before tearing ligaments in his right knee Feb. 7. He played in only one preseason game and had five rebounds and two blocked shots in 12 minutes. "D.J. needs an opportunity to play and develop," Donnie Nelson said in a story on the team's Web site. "We're hopeful that with playing time, whether it's in the NBA or Europe, he'll be able to join our team in the future."
Analysis: Mbenga averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 79 games the past three seasons for the Mavericks. Obviously, he has no Fantasy value at this point.
News: Dallas center DJ Mbenga is on track with the rehab on his surgically repaired right knee and expects to be doing basketball-related activities by July. Should everything go as planned, he'll be ready for training camp in October.
Analysis: Mbenga appeared in just 21 games in the 2006-07 season and averaged just 0.8 ppg, 0.5 rpg and 0.2 bpg. He has no Fantasy value in drafts this fall.
News: Dallas center DJ Mbenga is on track with the rehab on his surgically repaired right knee and expects to be doing basketball-related activities by July. Should everything go as planned, he'll be ready for training camp in October.
Analysis: Mbenga has no Fantasy value now, but this is a good sign he will be ready by next year.
News: Mavericks center DJ Mbenga is set to have surgery during the All-Star break to repair his right anterior cruciate ligament. "What I have to do is just stay focused and keep working hard," he said. "It's been a crazy year." Mbenga missed the first 16 games this season with a strained tendon in his left foot. "Some stuff happens for a reason, and I'm not going to take it as a negative," he said. "I'm going to turn a negative into a positive. Right now, it's time for me to get focused on the future, work hard and take care of my surgery. By the end of August, I'll be ready to play again."
Analysis: Keep Mbenga reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Mavericks reserve center DJ Mbenga will miss the rest of the season because of a torn knee ligament. He is scheduled for surgery in two weeks, and there is no timetable for his return, the team said Thursday.
Analysis: Mbenga was hurt in the fourth quarter Wednesday against Memphis. The early diagnosis was a strained right knee, but an MRI on Thursday revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He played in 21 games this season, averaging nearly four minutes, 0.8 points and 0.5 rebounds. He had no Fantasy value anyway.
News: D.J. Mbenga (foot), who spent time last week on the inactive list, has played 10 minutes in two games this week with just two points and two blocks.
Analysis: Mbenga is not worthy of any Fantasy consideration even when he is 100 percent.
News: Mavs C D.J. Mbenga (foot) was inactive on Friday against the Kings.
Analysis: When healthy, Mbenga is not much of a player from a Fantasy perspective.
News: Mavs C D.J. Mbenga (foot) was inactive on Wednesday against the Raptors.
Analysis: When healthy, Mbenga is not much of a player from a Fantasy perspective.
News: D.J. Mbenga, who strained a tendon in his left foot Monday, did not play Saturday vs. New Orleans/Oklahoma City.
Analysis: When healthy, Mbenga is not much of a player from a Fantasy perspective.
News: The Mavs' Devean George -- strained right knee -- and DJ Mbenga -- strained tendon -- didn't play Friday at San Antonio.
Analysis: When healthy, Mbenga is not much of a player from a Fantasy perspective.
News: The Dallas Mavericks also announced they'll play at least the first two weeks without third-string center D.J. Mbenga, who strained a tendon in his left foot Monday.
Analysis: When healthy, Mbenga is not much of a threat from a Fantasy perspective. He will begin the season on the inactive list.
News: DJ Mbenga (7-0, 245) logged 15 quality minutes in the 100-72 rout of New York, checking into the game for Diop in the first and third quarters. A physical specimen who has made several eye-opening plays already this season, the native of Congo blocked a career-high five shots. "I'm not surprised," Mbenga said. "I've got to be ready, because you never know when they're going to call you. Everybody is very important on this team."
Analysis: Despite the great game, Mbenga is still far from being a regular option for the Mavs. He should not be considered a reliable Fantasy option at this point.
News: Seldom-used DJ Mbenga had three blocked shots over the final 5:40 of the first quarter on Monday vs. New York. He finished with five blocks in 15 minutes.
Analysis: He is still very raw and not worth consideration in most leagues.
News: The Mavericks placed center D.J. Mbenga on the injured list with a strained right hamstring on Wednesday.
Analysis: Mbenga is a physically imposing figure at 7-foot, 245 pound. However, he is still very raw and not worth consideration in most leagues.
News: D.J. Mbenga (hamstring) was activated from the I-L on Friday.
Analysis: Mbenga is still considered a project in the league. He won't provide much Fantasy value this season, but could develop into a decent player down the road.
News: D.J. Mbenga (hamstring) was placed on the I-L on Thursday. He's seen limited time in seven games this season.
Analysis: The move allowed the Mavericks to activate Michael Finley from the I-L. Mbenga has minimal Fantasy value when healthy.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that rookie center D.J. Mbenga has played so well in sparse minutes that head coach Don Nelson is reconsidering letting him sit on the bench this season. "I didn't think I'd play him this year very much, but he's changing my mind," said Nelson. "With his athleticism and shot-blocking, he's got a chance."
Analysis: In Tuesday's exhibition game against Milwaukee, Mbenga had two points, four rebounds, two blocks and two assists. He was expected to spend the season on the injured list while learning the game, but Fantasy owners should pay attention to his minutes. He could be a worthy midseason pickup in leagues that reward blocking heavily.
