D. J. Mbenga - NBA Career

NBA Career

Mbenga was signed by the Dallas Mavericks during the 2004–05 season. He continued through the 2005–06 season with the Mavericks but when the season ended, Mbenga became an unrestricted free agent. Mbenga extended his contract with the Dallas Mavericks for three seasons for an approximated US$2 million a year.

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. 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."

Mbenga was later waived by the Mavericks in order for them to sign Juwan Howard. On November 17, 2007, Mbenga was signed to play with the Golden State Warriors under the direction of his old coach in Dallas, Don Nelson. 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 season.

On January 6, 2008 he was waived by Golden State. Later that month, on January 21, 2008 he was signed to a 10-day contract by the Los Angeles Lakers. On February 11, 2008 the Lakers signed Mbenga for the rest of the 2007–08 season.

On March 6, 2009 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga scored a career high 10 points on 4–5 shooting with 4 rebounds and 5 blocks in just 17 minutes. On June 14, 2009, Mbenga won his first NBA Title with the Los Angeles Lakers.

With starting forward Pau Gasol and center Andrew Bynum injured, Mbenga made his first start for the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6, 2009 against the Memphis Grizzlies Two days later, Mbenga recorded his first career double double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in addition to 4 blocks against the New Orleans Hornets. On April 9, 2010 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga set a new career high by scoring 11 points. On June 17, 2010, Mbenga won his second NBA title after his Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in the Finals.

During his stay in Los Angeles, he became a crowd favorite and acquired the nickname "Congo Cash".

On October 13, 2010, he signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Hornets.