Danny

Fortson

Fortson, acquired from the Mavs in July, is batting for playing time at power forward and center.

Coach Nate McMillan said he noticed a difference in his team before those games: “We didn’t have a swagger about us,” McMillan said. Seattle has outrebounded their opponent in every game except the opener, which Fortson missed with back spasms. He’s been especially good on the offensive glass, ranking No. 1 in the league with 4.8 offensive rebounds per game. Do we have a Dennis Rodman/Ben Wallace story in the making?

Fortson, who has played very little this season, apparently left the team without permission.

Fortson had missed five games due -- two to a suspension and three to personal reasons.

He’s expected to catch up with the team today in New Orleans.

''He hasn’t been on the floor for close to two weeks now,’' McMillan said. Fortson missed a total of five games due to suspension and being away to visit a sick relative.

Nelson announced that move even before the trade of Raef LaFrentz, which is one reason why LaFrentz’s large salary was moved. Shawn Bradley’s knee is coming along slowly, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Mavs occasionally slide Dirk Nowitzki over to center, allowing both Antawn Jamison and Antoine Walker to play the forward positions.

Dental surgery can be very risky, but he’ll probably be able to return this season.

Fortson was in uniform Wednesday after missing the previous two games and Monday’s practice because of what the team said were personal reasons. It’s possible the Warriors will look at signing someone to a 10-day contract.

''[Eduardo] Najera is going to be a starter occasionally, when we think the match-ups are right,’' Nelson said. ''Danny [Fortson] (last night’s starter) gets a start once in a while. [Shawn] Bradley gets a start once in a while. That’s our match-up spot. It’ll be a little inconsistent in who starts.’' Consequently, none of the three are worth owning in fantasy leagues. This also does damage to the value of Tony Delk, who was starting earlier in the season.