"It looks like Gana Diop starting at center for the Charlotte Bobcats could be more than a one-game gig.

Seven-footer Diop started Saturday vs. the Indiana Pacers to match up size-wise with Roy Hibbert.

Diop didn't do a lot statistically (four points, one rebound, one block in 17 minutes), but coach Paul Silas was encouraged enough to start Diop on Monday against the New York Knicks.

"We need what he can provide - the defensive abilities, the shot-blocking. He can't really block a lot of shots now, but if he loses the weight, down the line he's really going to help us," Silas said at morning shoot-around."