The rumor early on was that the New York Knicks didn’t really have an interest in former Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson. Apparently the team has had a change of heart as according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, team president Donnie Walsh has given strong leanings towards making an offer towards Iverson, perhaps as soon as tonight, when he clears waivers at 6 PM (Eastern).

Coach Mike D’Antoni, for whatever reason, is in favor of signing Iverson. Which is interesting based on the Knicks’ performance against the Indiana Pacers as they rallied from 19 points down to defeat them Wednesday night. Walsh intends to speak to Iverson as early as tomorrow; however, it’s not clear as to whether Iverson will go to New York for the meeting. Assuming Walsh and Iverson meet, the Knicks president has the option of offering Iverson either the veteran’s minimum of $1.31 million or a portion of their $6 million mid-level exception.

Folks, this is once again a desperate team that is doing desperate things. Granted, the Knicks’ record is abysmal; however, I do not see how signing Iverson benefits this team, regardless of the endorsements within the team and from Larry Brown (who recommended Iverson to Walsh recently). Think about it. It is common knowledge that Iverson brings tons of baggage and despite his claims, does not deserve to start with any team who is foolish enough to sign him.

Funny thing about this is that Walsh, as president of the Indiana Pacers, never used to venture into uncharted waters like this. He, by and large, made sound personnel decisions while in Indianapolis. But to be fair, when you’re head of a team that hasn’t tasted success since forever, perhaps making questionable decisions is the norm. There’s a glut of guards on the Knicks already, not to mention that Iverson would probably impede the development of certain players on the team (Danilo Gallinari, Toney Douglas and Wilson Chandler come to mind).

I think it has become apparent that Walsh and the Knicks brass didn’t do enough vetting of the veteran guard to justify the potential signing. The Knicks would be well served to not sign Iverson and work with their current core of players on their roster. This is yet another rebuilding year for New York and the addition of a malcontent (he would join fellow whiner Larry Hughes) to the team will acomplish absolutely nothing. Simply put – Iverson is not “the answer”.