Lucky 13 for the 40-year-old?

Posted October 01, 2007 11:00 pm

Associated Press

Tony Massenburg is excited about a chance to return to the NBA -- even if he is 40. Massenburg signed with the Washington Wizards on Monday, a day before training camp opens, and if he makes the roster at the end of the month, he would have a chance to play for a league-record 13th franchise.

"I'm happy to be here, there's no question about that. I'm definitely enthused about the opportunity," the 6-foot-9 forward said. "It's not easy to roll the dice on a guy who's 40."

Not to mention a guy who hasn't played in the NBA since the 2004-05 season, when he averaged 3.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 11.5 minutes for the champion San Antonio Spurs. About 1½ months after that season ended, Massenburg got into an auto accident while driving and broke his left ankle. It took until now to work his way all the way back to where he is sure he can compete.

"Just to get to this point, just to get the invite ... is a tremendous accomplishment," he said. "For me to make the team would be even better."

-- Associated Press

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