Nets sign Hamady Ndiaye to compete for third-center job

In Brook Lopez and Mason Plumlee, the Nets might have the NBA’s best 1-2 punch at center.

But Brooklyn lacks a third center, a position most teams carry.

Kevin Garnett has commonly played the five late in his career, and he could see minutes there this season. But his primary role will be at power forward.

So, the Nets are exploring options in free agency. They’ve already signed Jerome Jordan, and they didn’t stop there.

Nets release:

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent center Hamady Ndiaye, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

Ndiaye was drafted No. 56 in 2010, and one trait has kept him in the NBA – his size. A 7-foot and 235 pounds, he looks the part of a legitimate NBA center. He just hasn’t played like one in two seasons with the Wizards and part of last year with the Kings.

The Nets have 13 guaranteed contracts plus Jordan ($150,000 guaranteed), Cory Jefferson ($75,000 guaranteed), Jorge Gutierrez (fully unguaranteed, becomes $25,000 guaranteed before training camp begins) and Ndiaye.

Most likely, Ndiaye also received a partially guaranteed deal and will compete for a roster spot with Jordan – and any other centers Brooklyn signs before training camp.