Michael Doleac

Doleac and Earl Barron will duke it out for the third-center minutes, with the loser being left without any time on the floor.

Michael Doleac would be a solid backup on most teams in the NBA as he has strength, durability and an outstanding jump shot for a man of his size. Unfortunately for him and his value, he has the #1 and #2 picks in the 1992 NBA draft ahead of him on the depth chart. Don’t expect much from Doleac this season.

Doleac was brought in town to back up O'Neal. His only role will be to spell Shaq when he's tired, or start if the big man were to miss some action. His role in the NBA has been as a powerful big man who does not scare you offensively (he has a decent jump shot), but will not be pushed around in the paint. Look for his game to improve as he learns from the best, but Doleac will be nothing more than a 15 minute per role player.

Doleac will begin the season as the everyday backup center for Kurt Thomas. Expect modest numbers from him similar to his career averages unless he is pressed into working more minutes.