It’s official: Brown lands in Big Apple

Last stop: Madison Square Garden.

That’s the way it was for Larry Brown as a youngster taking the subway to Knicks games, and that’s the way he hopes it will be in his newest job.

Brown was formally introduced Thursday as the new head coach of the New York Knicks, the team he grew up cheering for and the franchise he has helped make significant again.

“I think I say that everywhere I’ve been,” Brown said with a laugh. “I know this will be my last stop. Basketball started for me in this city, and I want to be here when it’s finally time for me to stop.”

Brown’s contract was believed to be for four years with a salary of at least $8 million annually. Had Brown turned down the job, the Knicks would have given it to Herb Williams after he guided the team over the final 43 games last season.

Karl has successful prostate surgery

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl had prostate surgery, the team said.

The surgery, which took about five hours, was performed at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, said Nuggets’ spokeswoman Teri Washington.

“George’s surgery was very successful and he expects a full recovery,” said Rick Majerus, the former Utah men’s college basketball coach, who was with Karl in Salt Lake City. “We anticipate he will be enthused and excited and able to conduct a terrific training camp.”

Washington said Karl was diagnosed with cancer near the end of last season.

Pistons pick up option on Milicic

The Detroit Pistons exercised their team option on Darko Milicic, keeping the 20-year-old center under contract for the next two seasons.

“We are pleased to have Darko Milicic signed through the 2006-07 season and we look forward to seeing his continued growth as a player,” said Joe Dumars, the Pistons’ president of basketball operations.The 7-foot, 245-pound Milicic has averaged 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 71 games over two seasons with Detroit.

Vazquez will stay in Europe

In the hours following the NBA Draft last month, Fran Vazquez seemed to be living the American dream.

All indications were that Vazquez, a promising power forward selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic, couldn’t wait to play his first NBA game.

But Magic officials were stunned to learn Vazquez had announced he would not be coming to the NBA. Instead, he will continue playing in Europe for at least one more season.

Vazquez has two years remaining on his contract with Spanish team, Unicaja Malaga, but he is reportedly trying to negotiate a buyout so that he can join European powerhouse Real Madrid. He told Spanish news agency SurDigital of his decision.

“It was a tough decision, the toughest in my life,” said Vazquez, who speaks little English. “I said no because I feared I would not adjust well.”

Blazers agree to terms with Dixon

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a three-year deal with free agent Juan Dixon, although the contract cannot be formally announced by the team until the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement is ratified.

Dixon’s agent, Calvin Andrews, told the Washington Post the contract was worth $8 million.

Dixon, who met with Blazers’ management last week, played three seasons with the Washington Wizards, who have acquired guards Chucky Atkins, Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels in the off-season.