Omar Cook was waived by the Mavericks on Dec. 28, making Dallas the second team to release the second-round pick from St. John's without using him in a regular-season game.

Cook, who failed to make Denver's roster out of training camp after a brief contract holdout, has since joined the Fayetteville (N.C.) Patriots of the National Basketball Development League. Dallas signed Cook because it liked his penetration skills and potential as a floor leader, figuring a first-round talent had fallen into their laps.

But when it became apparent Cook wasn't ready to play, and needing a third point guard, Dallas elected to waive Cook and pursue someone more seasoned.

Rookie Charlie Bell, who played four years at Michigan State, was the Mavs' choice.

The club says Cook did nothing wrong, simply that at age 19 he needs to play.