Marc Berman of the New York Post reports: It is now one week and counting until the knicks $4.5 million Disabled Player exceptions runs out and Head Coach Don Chaney says that there are "some interesting concepts" on the power-forward front.

The Knicks, who have spoken to Chicago about Marcus Fizer and to Memphis about Stromile Swift, have long had interest in Portland's Dale Davis, who would need to come along in a package deal for Latrell Sprewell. The Hawks also have an extra forward available in Alan Henderson as does Minnesota in Marc Jackson.

Chaney said the preference is for a center but no one good is available. "Once again we have an overload of power forwards. We need somebody big," Chaney said. "I would one time like to see a 7-footer come in who can play.

Chaney also said the Knicks have to be careful. Asked how many teams were "eager" to make a trade, Chaney said, "Teams are looking at it the other way. . . nobody's knocking our door down."

The Knicks have until December 2nd to use the exception.