Wang Gets Final OK to Join Mavericks

Government officials in China signed a transfer agreement allowing 7-foot-1 center Wang Zhizhi to play for the Dallas Mavericks, team spokeswoman Sarah Melton said.

Wang, who will become the first Asian player in the NBA, is scheduled to fly from Beijing to Dallas today, Melton said, adding that the 23-year-old will probably sign a contract on Wednesday.

Wang was presented with a No. 16 Maverick jersey by assistant coach Donnie Nelson, who was in Beijing to travel back to Dallas with the player.

Wang could play his first game against the Atlanta Hawks next Thursday, though Nelson and Wang both said he would need time to adapt to the United States and the NBA.

The Bayi Rockets, Wang’s army-run team, refused to release its star player when the Mavericks selected him in the 1999 NBA draft. After two years of negotiations, Chinese officials agreed to let him play for the Mavericks for the rest of the season. Nelson said the Mavericks “fully expect” Wang to play for them next season too.

Another Chinese player, Yao Ming, a 7-6 center, is likely to be the first player chosen in the NBA’s draft in June.

*

New Jersey Net guard Stephon Marbury had surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his left pinkie.

Dr. Charles Melone Jr., a New York City hand specialist, said the surgery went as planned and the finger will be immobilized for six weeks.

The Nets also signed guard Eddie Gill to a 10-day contract.

*

Derrick Coleman, sidelined since Feb. 16 because of a strained left calf, had a full practice Thursday, but there was no word when the Charlotte Hornet forward might come off the injured list.

Coach Paul Silas said he hoped Coleman could play at least the final six games of the regular season in preparation for the playoffs. Charlotte has 11 regular-season games left.

Coleman has been unable to practice since straining his calf on a dunk against the Lakers.