The Dallas Mavericks signed 7-5 Russian center Pavel Podkolzin today. Podkolzine was selected #21 in the draft by the Utah Jazz and later traded to the Mavericks.

'A 19-year-old Russian originally was an early entry candidate for the 2003 draft before withdrawing his name. Last season, he appeared in 22 games for Varese in Italy's top league and averaged 2.6 points and 2.3 rebounds.'

'Podkolzin played in six games in the Mavericks' summer league, averaging 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes.'