Knicks Rumors: Latest on Rasheed Wallace and Potential Additions to Roster

The New York Knicks are down two big men, as veterans Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby have been sidelined with foot injuries.

With 40-year-old Kurt Thomas the only real sizeable defensive option in the frontcourt behind Tyson Chandler, there is a chance that the team brass decides to bring in some fresh blood—if a roster spot opens up.

Let’s take a look at how 'Sheed is handling his recovery and some players that the Knickerbockers are reportedly considering signing, given an opportunity.

Rasheed Wallace

Coach Mike Woodson is maintaining that the 15-year NBA veteran could return after the All-Star Break (as early as Feb. 20 against the Indiana Pacers), but even admits he may never be “100 percent” and won’t be able to log big minutes if he does get healthy enough to play, according to Alex Raskin of NJ.com.

However, Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York has found that at least one league source believes ‘Sheed is done for the remainder of the 2012-13 season and it’s only a matter of time before Woodson has to sign a new player.

If Wallace is truly only healthy enough to log a few minutes per night, it would be foolish of the Knicks not to heavily explore some other options, as their aging roster direly needs some bodies that can soak up big minutes—especially in the frontcourt.

Louis Amundson

One potential signing could be seven-year veteran Lou Amundson, but it’s going to take a few outside forces to free him up from his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves 

According to Zwerling, if the T-Wolves elect to sign Chris Johnson and Mickael Gelabale for the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign (they are currently on 10-day contracts), there’s a strong chance that Amundson winds up on waivers.

The 6’9” forward is a scrappy, high-energy rebounder and would immediately be able to come in and contribute to the Big Apple-based organization. The team expressed interest in the journeyman—who had his best years with the Phoenix Suns from 2008-10 and contributed to the Indiana Pacers playoff run in 2012—but was unable to reach a deal with him last summer.

ESPN 1500’s Darren Wolfson noted that the Knicks have again made it apparent that they would be intrigued should Amundson become available, so he’s certainly an option if ‘Sheed is out.

 

Henry Sims

If the Knicks decide to go younger to fill a potential roster spot, Sims is the clear-cut answer.

He’s a 6’10”, 245-pound center that has been dominating the guard-based D-League on both ends of the floor.

As per Zwerling, he’s on the front office’s radar and a source is indicating that Sims could soon get a contract if he keeps throwing up double-doubles.

They want to see if Henry is a young big they could add to their core group," a source close to Sims said. "I think if Henry keeps playing as he is, they would need to look now.”

It’s worth noting that Sims narrowly missed the final, 15-man roster cut prior the season tip-off, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Woodson bring this youthful stud back into the fold.