Exploring options at backup center

Continuing to explore various options at the backup center position, the Bucks have signed 12-year veteran Brian Skinner which brings their training camp roster to 20 players.

It’s Skinner’s third stint with the Bucks as he also played here in 2003-’04 and 2006-’07.

“He came in and worked out with our guys (prior to training camp) and he was in very good shape so we wanted to give him another look,” said coach Scott Skiles. “We’re glad to have him back and we’ll take a good long look at him.

“He’s got a big body and he’s always been able to defend in the low post. He’s been in a lot of situations and he’s played a long time. He’s played here before and he likes it here and he’s worth a look, for sure.”

The 6-foot-9, 255-pound Skinner averaged 1.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 7.7 minutes in 16 games with the Los Angeles Clippers last season. He had one of his best statistical seasons in 2003-’04 when he averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds in 56 games with the Bucks.

One of the bigger question marks about this season’s team is how the Bucks will handle the backup center spot and they will be exploring several options, including Skinner, Drew Gooden, rookie Larry Sanders and Jon Brockman.