Knicks need more depth to spell aching Amar'e

Walsh must bolster a skimpy bench whose many members have fallen into coach Mike D'Antoni's spacious doghouse. The Knicks specifically need a backup point guard and big man to allow Raymond Felton and ailing Amar'e Stoudemire additional rest. They both looked exhausted during the three straight losses to the Celtics, Heat and Cavaliers.

Stoudemire's health has become an issue. He's playing with a sore neck that has limited his game, but not his minutes. Backup point guard Toney Douglas is fighting through his latest aliment, an undisclosed shoulder injury that is hurting his jump shot and making him less frenetic on the defensive end.

Douglas, shooting 39.3 percent, hasn't been truly healthy this season, and even played through a strained back the first two weeks. Some backup point guards who may be expendable include Orlando's Jason Williams, Minnesota's Sebastian Telfair, Cleveland's Ramon Sessions and Utah's Earl Watson.

The Knicks could release still-rehabbing Kelenna Azubuike, whose contract expires after the season, to open up a roster spot and sign a player from the D-League or a free-agent veteran. Walsh has to regret not inking center Earl Barron, a great fit last season with the Knicks. Barron recently signed with Phoenix, but the Knicks could have had him for a fraction of Roger Mason's deal.
D'Antoni has lost faith in a large segment of the roster, which essentially stands at 13, not 15. Azubuike returned to practice a month ago, but was deemed by D'Antoni as not at an NBA level after knee surgery. Center Eddy Curry is viewed as unplayable by the coach because he hasn't run the floor well enough.