Ranking the Most Overrated NY Knicks Additions of the 2012 NBA Offseason

Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Glen Grunwald and the New York Knicks front office were busy during the 2012 offseason, as they made a boatload of moves to re-tool the roster.

I applaud the franchise for the creativity to bring so many potential contributors aboard, but several of the new additions are overrated and overvalued.

A trio of new point guards is in place, but not all of them will live up to expectations.

In the frontcourt, there are a few grizzled veterans who are esteemed more for their past accomplishments rather than their current performance.

5. Rasheed Wallace, PF

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The signing of Rasheed Wallace brings with it excitement about the outspoken, savvy veteran.

Unfortunately, Wallace isn't owed any guaranteed money until January, and thus could be released if the Knicks so choose, according to Marc Berman of the NY Post.

Even if he does stick with the club, he's not going to be the Rasheed Wallace we have become accustomed to over the last 15 years.

His two-year retirement has him struggling to get back into basketball shape, and once he is in decent basketball shape, he won't have the step or explosiveness he needs to rebound, defend and shoot like he used to.

4. Kurt Thomas, PF

Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

No one thinks Kurt Thomas is going to stop every post player or even score more than five points per game for New York.

Yet fans and media seem to overvalue him a bit, citing his tough defense and reliable jump shot.

He does have those dependable qualities, but the Knicks already have multiple standout defenders in their frontcourt depth chart.

Five years ago, this would have been a terrific signing. But it's no longer 2007.

When starting power forward Amar'e Stoudemire gets back to full health, there will be little use for Thomas on a nightly basis. 

3. James White, G-F

Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

Isn't it a little weird that James White, a player who has played a combined 10 games over two seasons in the NBA, is making the same amount of money as Ronnie Brewer? If White gets meaningful minutes in 2012-13, it means the Knicks are in a heap of trouble.

His 16-point performance against Boston last week might sound exciting, but there are several factors to keep in mind:

1. It was a game in which Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amar'e didn't participate, nor did Celtics stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Brandon Bass.

2. He shot 7-for-16 on field goals to get those 16 points, with five turnovers along the way.

3. It took him 45 minutes to get those 16 points.

Compare that with Chris Copeland's 34 points in 36 minutes on 11-18, and it's funny to think White is the one with the guaranteed contract.

2. Jason Kidd, PG

Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

New York landed one of the best floor generals of all time when it signed Jason Kidd in July.

But sometimes we forget that his elite guard skills left him around 2009-10. Since then, his assist totals, his assist-per-minute rate, shooting percentage and PER have plummeted.

Passing into the low post and shooting triples have become his exclusive tasks. He’s become extremely inept at driving the lane or finishing the fast break.

Kidd also hasn’t done much in this preseason to separate himself from his backcourt counterparts. If Mike Woodson is smart, both Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni should see much more playing time than Kidd.

It’s important to not undervalue his leadership and vast knowledge of the game, but the Knicks already have strong leadership in the likes of Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.

I would be careful to expect too much from Kidd in 2012-13

1. Marcus Camby, C

Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Marcus Camby could potentially be a solid backup for Tyson Chandler, but he’s significantly overrated from a financial and injury-risk perspective.

When healthy, he is a presence on the boards and defensively, but maintaining that health for 65-plus games is a huge question mark.

The $4.5 million man's recent calf issue is the latest struggle in his career-long battle with injuries. It’s going to be difficult for him to reach his goals or the goals the Knicks set for him.

Injuries aren’t the only reason Camby’s addition should elicit concern. His offensive skills are well below average, and it hurts New York’s offensive depth. Having him on the roster in addition to Chandler ensures the Knicks will get almost no creative offense from the center position.

I hope for his sake that he does well. But I'm not putting my money on it.

For more Knicks and NBA chatter, follow me on Twitter: @Danielobleacher