Nov 13, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) celebrates after hitting a three point jump shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. New York defeated Orlando 99-89. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

The basketball world is stunned and should be stunned with the current standings in the NBA. The New York Knicks hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of seven wins and one loss. No one could honestly say they believe the injury-riddled Knickerbockers could defeat the elite teams like the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs during that stretch, let alone compete at all after the devastating toll of Hurricane Sandy.

Knicks fans are going wild after their team’s tremendous start. They have all the right to be, they have supported a team for the last decade synonymous with overrated-ness and mediocrity. I’m going to allow them to celebrate their team’s current success. It’s liking having a Thanksgiving feast after fasting for weeks.

Any who, back to the basketball business and the true purpose of the article. Clearly the Knicks are the biggest competitor for the Celtics when it comes to competing for the Atlantic Division crown. The Knicks may have the deepest team in the league but also the most aging. It’s hard to imagine a roster with over 25% of 38+ year olds competing for a championship. Years ago, I thought Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas, and the beloved Rasheed Wallace would make routine appearances on NBA TV and ESPN. Yet they all found homes in Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks have taken a turn for the best when Carmelo Anthony was subject to being the team’s starting power forward. This move propelled Melo’s game and helped create room for the team’s versatile yet defensive wingmen to start such as Ronnie Brewer and Jason Kidd. Not to mention the Knicks also have the reigning defensive player of the year in Tyson Chandler. The Knicks starting line-up has tremendously upgraded their defense from last year and are on pace to be a top ten defense in the league.

Nov 16, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; New York Knicks forward Rasheed Wallace (36) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

The Knicks’ bench also has substantially improved with the stellar play of J.R. “shoot at will” Smith. He easily is the second best offensive player for the Knicks and a stat’s expert can make a case he’s their second best player overall on the team averaging close to sixteen points and five rebounds a game. However the bench also has many tools such as the sharpshooting Steve Novak, defensive specialist Marcus Camby, and of course everyone’s favorite Rasheed Wallace.

However I do feel that there is one critical fault within the current Knick’s team. Even though they have great passing players in Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton, the Knicks are 27th in the league in assists. So what? This is an indication that most of their points come off either isolation or  just spot up three-pointers. It’s evident that J.R. and Carmelo take up a huge percentage of their team’s shots and if you neutralize either one, its very possible that you can hold the Knicks to a much lower scoring output.

The Knicks don’t have many slashers, players that can attack the basket and draw fouls or make contested lay-ups. The Knicks’ offense is primarily centered around Carmelo Anthony. If Anthony or Smith don’t have an open shot expect a three point shot to be fired by one of the role players. The Knicks’ are second in the league in three-point percentage with 41.1%. That is incredibly high and don’t expect the hot streak to continue especially when J.R. makes over 60% of his three-point shots as of today.

Nov 13, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

I have a recipe that the Celtics should do in order to beat the current Knicks’ team. First they must be able to neutralize Carmelo or J.R.. We all know that it’s gonna be impossible to shut down both unless they both feel the need to take 40-feet jumpers like they were accustomed to doing in previous seasons. The Celtics should keep players like Jeff Green, and Jason Terry on those two at all times and have them play tight defense. Smith and Carmelo aren’t necessarily the quickest players but they can get their shot off quickly. It is imperative that a defender doesn’t give space to either of the Knicks’ players.

Second, the Celtics need flood the mid-range and three point line. Whether they go zone or simple man to man. There should be three to four players close to the three-point line. Steve Novak, Rasheed Wallace, and Jason Kidd will spend a majority of the offensive play close to line. They live and die by the three point shot.  Knicks aren’t a quick team so it’s rare that a defender will be passed by a dribble. Leave Kevin Garnett in the middle of the paint and he will easily neutralize Tyson Chandler. Most of the Knicks’ points come from corner 3′s and isolation jump-shots.

Finally, the Celtics need to speed up the game using Rajon Rondo. I know the Celtics aren’t accustomed to running a quick offense. However the Knicks are stingy when it comes to giving up points, so when the Knicks give up the ball or score a basket, it is imperative that Rondo and the ball handlers for the Celtics pick the pace up and get some easy baskets. The Knicks also one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, so their plenty of opportunities for fast breaks off the rebound.

If the Celtics or any team for the matter of fact want to beat the New York Knicks, its evident and important that they play at a quick speed, defend Carmelo and J.R. Smith, and limit the open three-pointers for the Knicks. Otherwise, New York is just going to make it rain buckets and it will be very difficult for teams to outscore a barrage of three-point shots.

Nov 9, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9), power forward Kevin Garnett (5), shooting guard Jason Terry (center back), small forward Paul Pierce (34) and shooting guard Courtney Lee (11) take the floor against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Could Rasheed Wallace have been the missing piece for a Celtics’ title this year? First, let the laughter clear the room. Now really analyze this thought. On paper what is the Celtics’ biggest weakness?

Even after the addition of Darko Milicic, who by all accounts has been impressive, the frontcourt still remains a question mark. Boston knows what they will get from Kevin Garnett. Brandon Bass had a career year last season. Jeff Green will help contribute at the four spot, but he has been most effective playing small forward.

After those three, things become cloudier. Jared Sullinger was strong in the first two preseason games setting fans expectations high, but he is still a rookie. Chris Wilcox is coming off heart surgery, and has been battling a back issue throughout training camp. Jason Collins’ career production of 3.8 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game doesn’t exactly exude confidence either.

Could Wallace have been the solution? He has been absent from the NBA the past two seasons, and is undeniably out of shape. He arguably (alright he definitely did) coasted through his last regular season with Boston. He’s been known as a questionable figure within the locker room, and commitment has never been his strong suit. So why even bother?

First, he’s a gamer. While he slacked off in the 2009-2010 regular season, he stepped it up in time for the playoffs, most notably with his Game 7 performance against the Lakers. Forced into a starting role with the Kendrick Perkins’ injury, Wallace played 36 minutes, giving the Celtics 11 points and 8 rebounds. Wallace could take the first two months of this season to work himself into game shape. When he’s ready, the Celtics could then slowly integrate him into the lineup on a regular basis.

Garnett and Wallace have a tremendous relationship dating back to 1995 when they were part of the same draft class. Wallace’s personality would seem to fit in perfectly with a team led by proud veterans. He’s the same guy who guaranteed a win in Game 2 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers. The Pistons of course won the game, on their way to an NBA title, and the media coined the term “guarensheed.”

Wallace was also known to carry around a replica WWE championship belt, and gave each of his teammates a belt. His addition would give the Celtics a Hall-of-Fame collection of trash talkers with himself, Garnett, Jason Terry, and Paul Pierce. He’s been through the playoff battles and his experience could prove valuable come May. He would also have the respect of those veterans, which is important on the floor during crunch time.

On the court Wallace is one of the most talented big men ever. Remember talent does not mean greatness or even production, but Wallace had all the skills to dominate a game, both offensively and defensively. His turn around bank shot off the backboard is just as unstoppable as Garnett’s turnaround fade away in the post. Defensively, Wallace’s communication rivals Garnett’s level. He can be heard from television barking out instructions to teammates, standing as the last line of defense.

He’s too old and washed up to play, he’d never stay healthy some may argue. He’s 38-years old, which is two years older than Garnett, and in his last season with Boston he played 79 games. In his final six NBA seasons, Wallace played a minimum of 66 games each year. After taking two years off, he won’t be at the same level, but wouldn’t it have been worth a shot to at least invite him to training camp.

Wallace may have left a sour taste with Boston fans and maybe even Danny Ainge, after his one-year stint. He has now signed with the New York Knicks making him the enemy. But if the Celtics had managed to capture that Game 7 against the Lakes, he’d forever be remembered as a Boston hero.

Would Wallace make a drastic impact for the Celtics? Maybe not, but who would you rather have backing Garnett up at center in a playoff series against the Heat this year. Milicic, Wilcox, Collins, or a four-time NBA all-star who was one of the leaders for an NBA champion Pistons’ squad.

As Wallace would say, “BALL DON’T LIE.”

For those of you saying Wallace has nothing left in the tank, consider the fact that the Knicks already have a few guys on the roster that the same could be said of.  Jason Kidd is on his last legs and is 39, Marcus Camby is 38 and gimpy yet effective, and Kurt Thomas is still plugging away at age 39, as well.

So, Wallace would fit right in, even if he needs ice after every practice and a walker to get back to his car.  The Knicks are looking to make waves right now, and signing grizzled veterans falls right in line with that.  Besides that, I’m sure Wallace can still play.  He’ll be good for some threes and some rebounding, and the Knicks could use the added depth in the front court.  It’s one more big body to throw at division rival Philadelphia’s Andrew Bynum.

Bynum will be countered by the other teams in the East the same way Dwight Howard was when he was with the Magic.  Teams will need six more fouls from a seven footer to throw at Bynum, and Wallace helps that cause.

I’m not going to make any real bold predictions regarding Wallace’s impact.  He’ll likely be good for something to the tune of eight points per game and a few rebounds, but if he signs a min vet contract, that’s a bargain.  The Knicks are wise to be jumping on the Wallace train, in short.