Mavs pick up option on Diop

The Mavericks exercised the team option on center DeSagana Diop on Friday, the team announced, locking him up for next season for $2.15 million.

It will be a big year for the 7-footer and former eighth overall pick by Cleveland in 2001. Diop, who can become a free agent after next season, has vowed to improve his offensive game this summer to help the Mavericks establish the low-post scoring threat they sorely lacked in the first-round series loss to Golden State.

Diop completed his second season with the Mavs averaging 2.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 18.3 minutes. He lost his starting job early in the season to Erick Dampier, but started the final four games against the up-tempo Warriors.

Attention on Vincent

Mavs assistant Sam Vincent, who turns 44 on May 18, said he’s appreciative of the recognition he’s received from several NBA organizations and hopes to be considered for other openings.

Vincent, who finished his first season on coach Avery Johnson’s staff, has interviewed for the Charlotte coaching job. He said Seattle and Orlando have not contacted him directly and that no meetings are scheduled with either organization.

A former NBA point guard and a reserve for the 1986 champion Celtics, Vincent has international and NBA Development League head coaching experience. He said he’s not surprised to be garnering attention so quickly.

“Teams are looking to bring someone in with some youth, maybe some high energy,” Vincent said. “Avery, and the job he’s done, has opened up kind of a new mold that people are looking at.”