Western Conference

Vancouver

Signing Parks will add depth at forward, center

Impressed with his performance when he worked out for the team prior to the 1995 draft, the Grizzlies signed 6-11 Cherokee Parks to a three-year, $6 million deal. Signing Parks crowds the power-forward position, but it also adds depth to the center spot. Parks probably will be the third option behind starter Bryant Reeves and veteran Tony Massenburg, who opened camp playing in the pivot. ... Although rookie Felipe Lopez still sits beneath veteran shooting guards Doug West and Sam Mack on the depth chart, the team seems impressed with his defensive talent. ... Point guard Lee Mayberry opened camp No. 1, but rookie Mike Bibby already looks like a player in charge, directing traffic in scrimmages and showcasing a sweet long-range jumper. ... West met with G.M. Stu Jackson to request a trade, saying he wants to finish his career with a more veteran team. West, who successfully completed an alcohol rehabilitation program after he was traded from Minnesota to Vancouver last February, did not suit up with the team last season. He is signed through 2001 and is expected to battle with Mack for the starting job at shooting guard. --Howard Tsumura

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