Knicks Consider Signing Rasheed Wallace as Veteran Bench Depth

Added by Stephen Zimkouski on September 25, 2012.

Rasheed Wallce could bring added toughness to the New York Knicks.

Rasheed Wallace hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2009-10 season with the Boston Celtics. It is curious that the New York Knicks would look to bring in the 38 year old veteran to add more depth to the front court.

The Knicks main choice seemed to be Kenyon Martin as the backup power forward but Martin seems to be unwilling to accept a contract for the veterans minimum. With Lou Admundson signing with the Timberwolves the options of a veteran big man are beginning to run thin.

Another interesting note to add to the possibility of Wallace receiving a contract offer from the Knicks is that Mike Woodson was an assistant coach with the 2003-04 Pistons when Wallace was traded to Detroit. Wallace is definitely a Woodson type player and will provide the grit and toughness that the coach looks to get out of his players. The key with this possible signing is whether or not Wallace is in shape. If he is in shape then I feel that it could be a very good signing for the Knicks.

Wallace, who still averaged 9.0ppg and 4.1rpg coming predominantly off the bench in his last season in Boston, was still a contributor. For the Knicks, he will bring added intensity and defense off the bench to go with Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas.

There are also a few things that we should note about Rasheed Wallace off the bat. Regardless of what shape he’s in there is no doubt that he will bring toughness to the Knicks roster. He is a proven veteran who has played in big games.

Now, if he is in shape he will also give the Knicks a big man who can truly spread the floor out to the three point line. This will allow Carmelo Anthony to operate more freely while Wallace is in the game. The Knicks are eyeing to have more of an identity that they had in the 1990s as a physical team that’s going to play suffocating defense. With Wallace as a low risk player who will most likely give you 10-20 minutes off the bench he can be a higher reward than a risk.