The veteran center received a 30-second standing ovation from the crowd when he stepped onto the ice before the opening face-off.

But he is not a veteran center who can do a little of everything.

Still, the arrival of the veteran center caused some concern among the Nets.

Willis Reed, the general manager, said the team was working on a trade for a veteran center.

They still lack a veteran center with the ability to score consistently, just as they have for several seasons.

He pushed across a rebound of a shot by Dale Hunter, the veteran center.

"It's like all of the things we've done up to this point were suddenly cut off," said Mark Johnson, the veteran center.

The veteran center, who does have a history of leg injuries, said he would practice Wednesday and expected to play Friday.

The veteran center admitted that he had taken a special attitude into Game 6.

They would still need a dependable, veteran center to win face-offs and anchor a second line.