Josh

Powell

There was a report in early March that Powell had signed in Switzerland, but he’s reportedly back in the United States and “weighing his options.” The Celtics make a lot more sense than the Suns with how desperate Boston currently is for size, but Powell won’t have fantasy value no matter where he lands.

Powell previously spent time in China this season and could look to return to the NBA next year.

Powell, who spent some time in China during the lockout, was never expected to make the Spurs’ regular season roster. The Celtics and Suns briefly considered him last March, and it’s possible that injuries will open up a roster spot for him somewhere this season.

Powell was in camp with the Spur, but he was cut just before the season began. After playing in China last season, Powell will spend another season abroad.

Powell will compete for a spot in training camp after spending last season in China. The team will also bring in Derrick Brown, Tyler Wilkerson and Wesley Witherspoon for camp.

Wojnarowski reports that the deal would pay him more than $3 million to play with Shanxi, but as we know, players that choose to sign in China will not have an opt-out clause to return to the NBA. Smith, who turns 26 Friday, is a seven-year veteran and an unrestricted free agent. If he signs, he’ll join Earl Clark, Wilson Chandler and Josh Powell as players we definitely won’t see in the NBA in 2011-12.

Powell hasn’t played an NBA game since 2010-11 with the Hawks, when he averaged 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 12 minutes per game. He had a quiet season for Olympiakos in Greece last season and won’t be a fantasy asset no matter where he lands.

They also worked out Ricky Davis and Justin Brownlee on Monday. Aldrich hasn’t done much in his career and played a career-high 11.7 minutes in 15 games last year. Diogu wasn’t in the NBA last year, but he had a nice FIBA outing, averaging 16.6 points per game. The Knicks are more likely to add a big man, but none of these guys will be in the rotation while the Knicks are healthy.

Diogu was the No. 9 pick by Golden State in 2005 and hasn’t played in the NBA for nearly two years. The team is looking for depth at backup center and we’re guessing if Cole Aldrich’s knees can hold up that he’ll be that guy, and not Diogu or Josh Powell.

Powell played in Greece last year and China the year before. Even if he impresses the Pelicans, he’s unlikely to earn more than an unguaranteed deal as a training camp body.