Here’s one that didn’t make it into the former Piston update bullet of yesterday’s press clippings; Mateen Cleaves’ basketball career  is still alive!

Mateen is signing a one-year nonguaranteed minimum contract with the Denver Nuggets.  Cleaves is getting another shot in the league via another former Piston, Chucky Atkins, having to miss the first six weeks of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.  And, according to the Rocky Moutain News, Mateen has a shot to start in Denver.

The last we heard Mateen was in the NBDL playing for the Bakersfield Jam where he earned player of the month honors in March.  He also played in Greece last season after being waved by the New Jersey Nets.

Mateen was drafted 14th overall by the Pistons in 2000 after leading Michigan State to the National Championship and being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.