D. J. Mbenga
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2007) |
| No. 28 – Los Angeles Lakers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Center |
| League | NBA |
| Personal information | |
| Born | December 13, 1980 Zaire |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Listed height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Listed weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | none |
| Playing career | 2001–present |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Didier Ilunga Mbenga(pronounced Didjay Elunguh Benguh) , also referred as D.J. Mbenga (born December 30 1980), is a 7'0" Belgian professional basketball player of Congolese descent, at reserve center who currently plays for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA career
Mbenga was signed by the Dallas Mavericks during the 2004-05 season, playing a few minutes in 15 games for them. He continued through the 2005-06 season with the Mavericks but when that season ended, Mbenga became an unrestricted free agent. Mbenga extended his contract with the Dallas Mavericks for three seasons for an approximated $2 million USD a year. Mbenga was then waived by the Mavericks in order for them to sign Juwan Howard. On November 17th, 2007, Mbenga was signed to play with the Golden State Warriors under the direction of his old coach in Dallas, Don Nelson. On Sunday, January 6, 2008 he was waived by Golden State.[1] Later that month, on January 21, 2008 he was signed to a 10-day contract by the Los Angeles Lakers.[2] On February 11, 2008 the Lakers signed Mbenga for the rest of the 2007-2008 season.[3]
Player profile
In the 2006 playoffs he was suspended 6 games without pay for entering the stands. He saw coach Avery Johnson's wife being disturbed by some fans, and reportedly went into the stands with owner Mark Cuban to help usher Mrs. Johnson to the locker room. Regardless of his intentions, the NBA's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson maintained a hard line against players entering the stands (a direct result of the infamous Pacers-Pistons brawl of 2004), suspending him for six games without pay.[4]
On February 7, 2007 against Memphis, Mbenga hurt his knee late in the fourth quarter and limped off the court. It was originally thought that he had only strained his knee and would be back after a week or so, however, later scans found Mbenga had torn an anterior cruciate ligament, which required surgical reconstruction. As a result of the injury, Mbenga missed the rest of the 2006/07 season.[5]
Mbenga speaks many different languages including French, Portuguese, limited English, and two languages from the Congo.
Playing career
| Season | Club | Country | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999/2000 | Antwerp Diamond Giants | Belgium | National Junior Youth League |
| 2000/2001 | Antwerp Diamond Giants | Belgium | National Junior Youth League |
| 2001/2002 | Spirou Gilly | Belgium | Second Division |
| 2002/2003 | Basket Groot Leuven | Belgium | First Division |
| 2003/2004 | Spirou Charleroi | Belgium | First Division |
| 2004/2005 | Dallas Mavericks | USA | NBA |
| 2005/2006 | Dallas Mavericks | USA | NBA |
| 2006/2007 | Dallas Mavericks | USA | NBA |
| 2007/2008 | Golden State Warriors | USA | NBA |
| 2007/2008 | Los Angeles Lakers | USA | NBA |
Trivia
 | This article contains a list of miscellaneous information. (January 2008) |
- When asked about watching the Finals from home, Mbenga remarked, "Sometimes, I can't watch. When I start watching, especially when Diop or Erick have foul trouble, I get mad. I might shoot the TV."[6]
References
- ^ Lepper, Geoff (2008-01-07). "Warriors waive backup center Mbenga". Vallejo Times-Herald. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ LAKERS SIGN DJ MBENGA, January 21, 2008
- ^ After two 10-day contracts, Lakers sign Mbenga for rest of year, February 11, 2008
- ^ Dallas’ D.J. Mbenga Suspended Six Games, June 1, 2006
- ^ "Knee injury to sideline Mavs' Mbenga for season". ESPN. 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
- ^ Dallas Morning News Page 5C June 16, 2006