1.   Also will be counted on as backup center.

2.   Although the Lakers need a backup center, Jackson said he had no interest in any big men on the market.

3.   And backup center Evan Eschmeyer was on the injured list with a sprained left ankle the last time the Mavericks met the Spurs.

4.   An NBA source said last night that New Jersey plans to trade McCloud to the Los Angeles Lakers for backup center Joe Kleine.

5.   Another member of the Magic party in attendance was backup center Geert Hammink, who has been on the injured list all season.

6.   As former Nets go, even Chris Dudley made it to the playoffs this year, via his backup center role in Portland.

7.   Aside from free-agent, point-guard target Haywoode Workman, the Clips will be touring the market for a backup center.

8.   At least he came cheap, for backup center Will Perdue.

9.   Backup center Curtis Whitley was spelling an injured Joe Cocozzo at left guard.

10.   Backup center Donald Hodge recently had the cast removed from his surgically repaired thumb.