EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ? Veteran forward Mark Strickland joined the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday after the NBA granted the team a roster exception because of a rash of injuries.

Strickland was in uniform for Dallas (9-0) on Saturday night against the New Jersey Nets.

“It came as somewhat of a surprise, especially with a team of this caliber. I figured something would happen sooner or later,” said Strickland, who had been working out with Alonzo Mourning for the past month in Miami after leaving a professional team in France.

The Mavericks gained the roster exception because they have three players – Raef LaFrentz (ankle sprain), Tariq Abdul-Wahad (knee soreness) and Nick Van Exel (knee surgery) :quot; on the injured list and two others – Popeye Jones (back spasms) and Evan Eschmeyer (knee strain) – who are unavailable.

Under league rules related to roster exceptions, LaFrentz, Van Exel and Abdul-Wahid now become ineligible to be activated for two weeks.

Strickland, a 6-foot-8 forward, is a seven-year veteran who has played for Indiana, Miami, Denver, New Jersey and Atlanta. He appeared in 46 games for the Hawks last season and averaged 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds.

“He’s the right size, he plays hard and he’s got NBA experience. I don’t know much about him other than that,” Mavs coach Don Nelson said.