VANCOUVER, Feb. 26 -- Vancouver Grizzlies center Bryant Reeves went back on the injured list Saturday with a bone bruise in his right knee.
He played only six minutes in Thursday night's 101-77 home loss to Boston and is sidelined with a knee problem for the third time in the last two seasons.
The 7-foot Reeves missed seven games earlier this season with a sore right knee, returning Dec. 11. He is averaging 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 47 games this season, his fifth in the NBA.
Known as "Big Country" and the first draft pick in Grizzlies' history, Reeves signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension prior to the 1997-98 campaign. He averaged 16.3 points and 7.9 rebounds that season.
However, the 275-pound Reeves gained extra weight during the lockout and reported out of shape in January 1999. The extra pounds put pressure on his knee, which became sore and required surgery. He was limited to 25 games and averaged 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds.
