Source: Knicks Close To Signing Keith Bogans

A source close to the team informed Charged.fm that the New York Knicks are close to signing veteran guard Keith Bogans. The shooting guard known for his outside shooting and perimeter defense started 82 games for the first place Chicago Bulls last season. He was waived by the Bulls on December 16th after the signing of Richard Hamilton.

Bogans, an 8-year NBA veteran and former standout at Kentucky, will provide much needed backcourt depth to a Knicks team that has struggled coming out of the gate in the lockout shortened season. On paper, he seems to address many of the Knicks current problems. 

The team has struggled defending the pick and roll, switching far too often on screens and a tough-nosed defender like Bogans could help solve the problem so eloquently described by Zach Lowe of Sports Illustrated. Bogans is not an offensive force, averaging only 4.4 points per game last season and a career high of 9.6 points. However, he did shoot 38% from three last season and should have plenty of open opportunities.

The signing of Bogans could be the precursor to a lineup change for the Knicks. There was discussion leading up to the Knicks 99-96 win over the Wizards on Friday night that Mike D'Antoni would insert rookie Iman Shumpert into the starting lineup. In fact, reports are now coming in that Shumpert will start in place of Toney Douglas Saturday night against the Detroit Pistons.

Common belief was that a move of that nature, while improving the first unit, would deplete an already thin second unit. It's not likely Bogans could replace Shumpert's offense with the second unit. However, with Shumpert replacing Toney Douglas in the starting lineup, Douglas could provide that offensive spark off the bench.

Following tonight's tilt against the Pistons, The Knicks next game is Monday night against the Charlotte Bobcats. All indications are that Keith Bogans will be a member of the team by then.

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