Spurs waive Mensah-Bonsu; Gooden on his way?

SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Spurs released forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu on Wednesday in what might be a space-clearing move to add veteran free-agent forward Drew Gooden.

Gooden cleared waivers from Sacramento, where the 6-foot-10 forward played in just one game after being traded from Chicago. The Spurs would not comment on reports saying they might pick up Gooden.

Gooden would give San Antonio another much-needed big man to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers if the Western Conference's top two teams were to meet in the playoffs.

"I'm in a no-comment mood on any additions to our team, not specifically that individual you just mentioned," coach Gregg Popovich said before the Spurs played the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

Popovich offered a minor update on Manu Ginobili, who is battling an ankle injury.

"He was out for a week with a boot, came out of the boot and they told us 2 to 3 weeks. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks. In that sense we're getting closer," Popovich said.

Mensah-Bonsu signed a 10-day contract with the Spurs on Feb. 25. He played in three games, averaging 5 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited minutes.