The Nets took a major hit offensively because of the fractured right foot suffered by Brook Lopez. But they are making a defensive gain with the signing of DeShawn Stevenson.
The 6-foot-5 guard, who won a title with Dallas last season, agreed yesterday to a one-year, $2.5 million deal and is expected to be at practice today.
Stevenson, 30, will sign for the mini mid-level — or room exception — after the acquisition last night of Mehmet Okur ($10.89 million), who pushes the Nets to the salary cap.
“It’s not official yet. But if he was a part of our team or any team, he’s a terrific defender. He’s got 3-point range. He’s fearless, he’s tough-minded. He’s coming off a championship season,” said coach Avery Johnson. “We need guys with high basketball IQs who are physically and mentally tough that can guard multiple positions.”
* With the addition of Stevenson, the Nets waived Stephen Graham who was “disappointed” by the news, said general manager Billy King, who added that he told the small forward the Nets would help him get to another spot.
“That’s the one thing I always try to do,” King said. “I think he can play for somebody. Just in this situation, it wasn’t going to work.”
* One of the immediate options for the Nets in making up for the loss of Lopez is to play Kris Humphries at center behind Okur.
“I’m comfortable guarding fives. I can guard fours, threes. So I’m OK with that,” Humphries said.
The Nets also have Shelden Williams as a reserve center and last year’s backup, Johan Petro.
“I don’t think my role’s going to change. I think it’s clear what they want from me before what happened to Brook,” said the 7-foot Petro.