Knicks Rumors: Overrated Baron Davis Won't Help New York Get Past Miami Heat

Baron Davis is close to signing with the New York Knicks, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. Even though the deal will give the Knicks depth at a weak position, Davis' presence won't be enough to rule the Eastern Conference.

Getting a veteran with a solid history like Davis to sign the team's $2.5 million exception would seem like a savvy move. That is until you consider his injury problems. He has a bulky back that has the potential to keep him out up to 10 weeks.

With the NBA's condensed schedule due to the lockout, that's a lot of games to miss. And then once he does get healthy, there's no guarantee he'll be able to play on a nightly basis. So maybe it's not a surprise he would accept a reduced amount to latch on with a talented team.

Injuries aren't the only red flags to consider as his production has dropped in recent seasons.

Davis averaged 13 points and seven assists last season for the Los Angeles Clippers after being around 20 and eight for the bulk of his prime. His performance was even worse during his short stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The biggest problem is that he no longer has the same burst and agility that made him one of the league's premier point guards. Once a player loses a step, they rarely get it back.

Should he eventually get healthy enough to play, he'll be nothing more than a gloried facilitator to Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. His days of being a legitimate scoring threat who could stretch the defense are over.

That's not enough to survive an extended series against the reigning East champion Miami Heat. Since both teams lack depth, the Heat's firepower would eventually become too difficult for the Knicks to keep up with, especially on the perimeter.

That said, the Knicks are definitely moving in the right direction. But Davis is nothing more than a minor footnote addition at this point of his career. His name recognition is the only reason it's big news.

It will still take a couple more slick additions, which circumvent the salary cap, before the Knicks can consider themselves championship contenders.