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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:19 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2009

NBA: Joe Smith signs, practices with Cavaliers

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Forward Joe Smith signed his contract and practiced Thursday as the Cleveland Cavaliers prepared for their game with the Boston Celtics.

Smith is back with the Cavs, who signed the 14-year veteran to a deal after he worked out a buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Smith was with Cleveland for 27 regular-season games and 13 in the playoffs last season before he was traded in August in the deal that brought All-Star guard Mo Williams to the Cavs.

Smith gives the Cavs more frontcourt depth while Ben Wallace recovers from a broken leg.

Cleveland, which clinched a playoff berth on Wednesday, visits the Celtics on Friday in a matchup of the Eastern Conference's top two teams.