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Seiklis · 01-26-2005, 08:24 PM

As I posted earlier, now I have an article behind it

www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/10742063.htm

CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers are in the market for a some help at power forward.

With Anderson Varejao out four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain, the team is needy at the spot, because Robert Traylor has settled in at backup center.

The Cavaliers are evaluating their options to sign a player to a 10-day contract to help in the short term.

It is believed their top target is Keon Clark, a talented but maligned forward who hasn't played in the league this season.

The team talked with Clark about signing in September, but he didn't feel he was ready to return to the league at the time. Clark, a 6-foot-11 power forward, has a long-standing relationship with Mark Warkentien, the Cavaliers' director of player personnel.

He missed almost all of last season with injuries, but has averaged 8.2 points and 5.9 rebounds over his career. The last time he played regularly, for the Sacramento Kings in the 2003 playoffs, he was a difference-maker off the bench.

Otherwise, the pickings are slim. Looking at players with NBA experience, Gary Trent and Eddie Robinson are also options if Clark doesn't work out.

Trent was cut by the Chicago Bulls in training camp and is playing in Greece. Robinson played well for Cavaliers coach Paul Silas with the Hornets, but fell out of favor with the Bulls and was bought out of his contract earlier this season. He later failed a physical with the New York Knicks, casting doubt on his status.

If the Cavaliers go the CBA route, they might look at Cleveland native Sam Clancy. Though perhaps a little undersized to play power forward, Clancy is averaging 17.1 points and 10.6 points for the Idaho Stampede.

According to Silas, former New Jersey Net Jayson Williams, who worked out for the Cavaliers in the preseason, is not an option.

In the short term, DeSagana Diop, headed toward free agency at the end of the season and mired on the end of the bench since September, is slated to get more minutes.

``For the first time he's going to get extended minutes,'' Silas said. ``He's got to show that he can do it; it's up to him.''