The New York Knicks announced today that Rasheed Wallace will undergo surgery to repair a fractured bone in his left foot. According to the Knicks, recovery time for the surgery is believed to be approximately 8 weeks. 'Sheed will miss the remainder of the season and at least the first week of the playoffs.
Will it really be just the first week? Not only will 'Sheed need to recover from the surgery, but he will also need to get into game playing shape. He was already in so-so shape, with the foot surgery he will most likely be off his feet for a while, which means no conditioning. What kind of playing shape will he be in after surgery and how long would it take for him to get playing shape? By the time 'Sheed is ready to be productive, the Knicks will either be eliminated or nearing the conference finals. If the they are nearing the conference finals, that means they've improved defensively (without 'Sheed), will his addition really make that much of a difference?
So what to do about 'Sheed?
I say the Knicks waive him. Sign a defensive minded point guard.
Then... are you ready for this......?
Appoint him to an assistant coach! Yeah that's right, I said it Coach 'Sheed! It is well known that he has a great defensive mind. His communication on and off the court helped the Knicks become a great defensive team early in the season. He can assist Amar'e in learning defensive fundamentals, rotations, and positioning. He work with the whole team on defensive communication.
I can only see this helping the Knicks. A defensive minded guard is sorely needed and would be added. Rasheed's influence and attention to Amar'e could help Amar'e become a better defensive player. This type of situation can possibly give the Knicks a much needed defensive boost.
On the other hand Rasheed would still feel appreciated for coming out of retirement for Mike Woodson. I say its a win-win situation.
If Knicks were to make a move they would have to do it in the next 48 hours. March 1st is the deadline to add players to the playoff roster.
What do you think? Are we ready for Coach 'Sheed?
Written By: Simeon Russell @nothinbutknicks
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