DENVER (AP) The Denver Nuggets were awarded center Michael Doleac on a waiver claim Friday, scrapping the New York Knicks' plans to re-sign him.

Doleac was to join the Nuggets in Orlando for their game Saturday night. To make room for him on the active roster, center Francisco Elson was placed on the injured list.

Doleac was traded last Sunday from New York to Atlanta, and the Hawks waived him Wednesday. Knicks president Isiah Thomas was ecstatic Thursday when the Utah Jazz used up all their salary cap space in a trade, making them ineligible to claim Doleac.

But the Nuggets also had cap room _ along with a need for an outside shooting big man who can draw opposing centers away from the basket _ and claimed his $1.6 million contract. Doleac can opt out and become a free agent this summer.

``He knew our offense, he was starting to learn the screen-and-roll-and-pop real well with Stephon (Marbury),'' Knicks coach Lenny Wilkens said. ``He's a big guy who can make shots from the elbow.''

Doleac averaged 5.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 46 games for the Knicks.