Hey, remember that big defensive center Dikembe Mutombo?  Well look out, because it seems as though he'll be back in uniform for the Nets very soon.

According to Liz Robbins of the New York Times Mutombo will participate in shooting drills this week and may practice next week. "I'm very close," he said.

Having their 7-2 monster back in uniform will surely help the Nets, but even they are not sure what to expect.

"I think that's real unfair to look at Deke and say he's our savior," Coach Byron Scott said. "We want to be playing real solid basketball when he gets back and get him into that puzzle, not look at him once he gets back and everybody takes a big sigh of relief. He'll anchor the center position, he'll block shots and rebound and intimidate guys."

Mutombo, however, is sure in what he can deliver.

"When I come back, I am going to have an impact," Mutombo said. "I'm going to be much better than I was at the start of the season. I'm more fit, and skill-wise, I have improved a few things. I have improved my shooting with my left hand."