NEW YORK, August 7, 2002 - New York Knickerbockers President and General Manager Scott Layden announced today that the team has signed center Michael Doleac as an unrestricted free agent. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"Michael Doleac's size and shooting range help address some of our biggest needs, and we are very pleased to add him to our team today," Layden said. "Almost as important is his solid character, which is invaluable in a team game and will be very important as we get back into contention in the Eastern Conference."

Doleac, 6-11, 262 pounds, spent last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he averaged 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 42 games. Previously, the 25-year-old center spent three seasons with the Orlando Magic and has averaged 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds over his four-year NBA career.

"Michael is a consistent, steady player who will add another dimension to our team," Head Coach Don Chaney said. "He’s the type of person who knows his strengths, and plays to them. Michael is a smart player who understands the game."

http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/Knicks_Sign_Center_Michael_Dol-50726-65.html

hmm, well if it's for the million dollar exception I'm ok with it.

ps. He looks like a blonde Forrest Gump on that picture with the article

Van Exel here we come!

I guess Doleac is a stop-gap so there's at least a legit center before they move Kurt Thomas for an all-star. You can't do Thomas+Ward=VanExcel without insurance at center, can you?

For what it's worth, here's my player rotation:

C: Doleac, Knight (3-S: size, shooting, smarts)
PF: McDyess, Harrington (scoring, garbage collection)
SF: Sprewell, Weatherspoon (2-headed monster: swing or post, speed or size)
SG: Houston, Anderson (offensive-defensive switch)
PG: Van Excel, Williams (penetration, dishing)

In basketball, you don't need brute centers if you can have pick-and-roll players. Shaq is just an aberration.