For the past 10 years, Tony Massenburg knew he was in for a tough night every time he took the court against Karl Malone.

It was a challenge he enjoyed.

"I used to look forward to playing Karl, because he's the best power forward in basketball," Massenburg said.

"If you're any kind of player, you've got to want to play against the best at your position, because that's how you gauge yourself."

Massenburg doesn't have the offensive game to match Malone but at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, he brings to Utah a strong, physical presence similar to Malone's.