Depleted Knicks sign ex-Hornet Nailon

Auburn Hills, Mich. The New York Knicks signed small forward Lee Nailon on Wednesday, adding a much-needed scorer to their injury-depleted roster.

Nailon was released last week by New Orleans after averaging 10.8 points and 3.2 rebounds last season for the Hornets. The 6-foot-8, 241-pound forward started 41 games for Charlotte last season when Jamal Mashburn was injured.

“It’s great to have a bona fide small forward and a guy who can score,” Knicks coach Don Chaney said. “We’re shorthanded, so he’ll play.”

Nailon signed a one-year deal worth about $800,000.

Two Hawks out for season opener

Atlanta Shareef Abdur-Rahim, the Hawks’ leading scorer and rebounder last season, has a stiff back and didn’t travel with the team to New Jersey for Wednesday’s opener.

Backup center Nazr Mohammed also was out because of a bone bruise on his right foot, and the team does not know when he will return. He played all 82 games last year for Atlanta.

The Hawks start the season with Chris Crawford (knee surgery) and DerMarr Johnson (cracked neck vertebrae) on the injured list.

Grizzlies dump forward

Memphis, Tenn. The Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday waived Tony Massenburg and picked up a $4.6 million option on forward Stromile Swift. Massenburg, a 35-year-old forward, averaged six points last season. Swift was the overall No. 2 draft pick in 2000.

Szczerbiak sits out

Minneapolis Minnesota shooting guard Wally Szczerbiak sat out the Timberwolves’ season opener against Denver on Wednesday night. Coach Flip Saunders said Szczerbiak had soreness Wednesday morning in his left small toe.

Sura placed on IR

Oakland, Calif. Golden State Warriors guard Bob Sura was placed on the injured list Wednesday because of a strained right calf that kept him out of all the team’s preseason games. Sura will remain on the injured list for at least five games and could return no earlier than Nov. 8.

Celtics lose Brown

Boston The Boston Celtics placed forward Kedrick Brown on the injured list Wednesday because of a sprained right ankle. The Celtics don’t plan to sign anyone to replace Brown and will start the season with 11 players available, Celtics spokesman Bill Bonsiewicz said.