"Earl Clark participated in Saturday's practice and scrimmage — his first official workout since he signed a two-year deal Thursday believed to be worth just over $1 million per year.

Clark made it known all along that his top choice in free agency was to return to Orlando.

"I'm used to my teammates," Clark said. "I think it was a good fit here, and I like the organization. My family's here. I just love Orlando."

At 6 feet 10 but rail thin, Clark is a tweener.

He has the height of a power forward but lacks the strength. He has the lateral quickness of a small forward but lacks the refined offensive game.

Coach Stan Van Gundy envisions him as a potential defensive stopper: someone who can come off the bench and defend guys like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson.

Clark, 23, would relish that role.

"I won't back down from any challenge," he said. "I think that's great, because some guys don't like playing defense. It's a great trait to have [to be able to play defense]. If that's what's going to get me on the court, then I'm going to definitely do that.""