Jason Maxiell signs contract with Orlando Magic

• Orlando Magic signed power forward Jason Maxiell%2C general manager Rob Hennigan announced Thursday
• Maxiell spent first eight NBA seasons as tough big man for Detroit Pistons
• Magic are thin behind center Nik Vucevic and may use Maxiell out of position there

ORLANDO (AP) — The Orlando Magic have signed free agent big man Jason Maxiell, adding a veteran presence to an injury-depleted front court.

General manager Rob Hennigan announced the signing Thursday.

The 30-year-old comes from the Detroit Pistons, where he appeared in 72 games last season. He was drafted in 2005 and had spent his entire eight-year NBA career with the Pistons.

Maxiell, 6-7, joins a Magic roster that was thin behind center Nikola Vucevic, with Glen Davis recovering from foot surgery. Maxiell can play power forward or as a small center.

Maxiell averaged 6.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks last season.