Oct 13, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Drew Gooden (0) drives past Detroit Pistons center Viacheslav Kravtsov (55) at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards have officially signed free agent big man, Drew Gooden, to a 10-day contract. With Nene sidelined for at least 6 weeks, the Wizards were looking to add size to their team and they turned to Gooden.

Here are some quotes from Wizards president, Ernie Grunfeld, on the signing–via press release.

“We will rely on all of our frontcourt players to step up and contribute as we go through this stretch without Nene,” said Grunfeld. “Signing Drew gives us size, shooting ability and experience to add to that mix.

Gooden hasn’t played in the NBA this season since getting waived via the amnesty clause by the Milwaukee Bucks last year. Although he’s 32 years old, he has had some success in the NBA recently. He averaged about 14 points and 7 rebounds during the 2011-2012 season, but I’m really not sure how much he has left in the tank.

Ironically enough, Gooden was traded to Washington back in 2010 and didn’t seem too happy about being there. He was eventually traded just four days later to the Los Angeles Clippers. Regardless of past circumstances, Gooden will be joining a much different team than the one he didn’t have much interest in playing for. The Wizards are trying to secure a spot in the post season and Gooden will get the opportunity to earn the final roster spot, especially if Kevin Seraphin misses a few more games with a sore knee.

I think the Wizards could’ve gotten a more reliable player than Gooden, but I guess it’s not an awful signing. Of course, Gooden’s agent is also tied to John Wall and many other players on Washington’s roster, so that certainly could’ve played a part in Grunfeld’s decision to bring him on board. Let’s hope he actually contributes, or else we’ll probably be seeing another big man after his 10-day contract runs out.

Welcome to the Wizards, Drew Gooden.