NBA Notes: Spurs, Kelly Olynyk, Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Sixers

Spurs

Kelly Olynyk may not be finished with the Spurs after all.

The free-agent big man has spent time in San Antonio this offseason and worked out with some of his former teammates, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

Siegel added that Olynyk was viewed as a positive locker-room presence and wouldn’t be surprised if the 35-year-old eventually re-signed with San Antonio.

Olynyk spent last season with the Spurs but played a limited role, averaging 3.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 41 games.

San Antonio already has plenty of frontcourt options around Victor Wembanyama, so there wouldn’t appear to be any urgency here.

But veteran bigs who can pass, shoot a little and understand their role tend to hang around for a reason.

Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki is apparently warming back up to the Mavericks.

Nowitzki said he has spoken with new team president Masai Ujiri about becoming more involved with the franchise after distancing himself during the previous regime.

“Everybody knows that I pulled back there for a while,” Nowitzki said on the DLLS Mavs podcast.

Nothing sounds imminent. Nowitzki has broadcasting commitments and his work as a FIBA ambassador, among other things.

Still, he made it clear he’ll always consider himself a Maverick and is open to helping. Frankly, that’s probably a relationship Dallas should want repaired.

Sixers

The Sixers will have a decision to make eventually on Adem Bona, but for now, the young center remains part of their plans behind Joel Embiid.

Bona’s $2.3 million salary for this season became fully guaranteed earlier this summer, and he’s expected to battle Ariel Hukporti for backup minutes.

Bona averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes last season.

The athleticism and shot-blocking are obvious. Cutting down on fouls and mistakes will determine how much Nick Nurse actually trusts him.

That’s particularly important on a Sixers team that has championship expectations and, given Embiid’s history, will almost certainly need its backup centers at some point.