When the New York Knicks signed Rasheed Wallace in the off-season, I just shook my head. Why would they do that?

Wallace had been retired for two seasons when the Knicks inked a deal worth the veteran’s minimum of $1.7 million, adding another 35+ year old to a team that already had the oldest roster in NBA, history thanks to Jason Kidd, Marcus Camby, and Pablo Prigioni.

I assumed that this turn out to be a horrible front office decision, and that Wallace would not bring anything to the court or the locker room for New York.

However, I will be the first one to admit that I was wrong about the Knicks bringing in ‘Sheed.

He came into training camp out of shape, but as he worked his way into solid minutes he really began to contribute and produce for a team that came out hot with a stellar 18-5 record. Wallace gave the Knicks 7.2 PPG and 4.2 RPG, and also gave the team its trademark “Three-to-the-head” celebration after hitting a three-point shot.

For the last 23 games, however, Wallace has been sidelined with a foot injury. It seems as though the fountain of youth that Wallace found early on in 2012-13 has run dry, at least temporarily.

Coach Mike Woodson has said that he expects ‘Sheed to return to practice sometime after the All-Star break. Woodson and Wallace have both denied reports that this foot injury could keep the feisty veteran out for the rest of the season, too.

“My season ain’t over,” Wallace told reporters then. “I’m going to be back. I was laid off for three years, so one little foot injury ain’t going to stop me. I’m good.”

Follow Thomas Duffy on Twitter @TD_Knicks for articles, news, and all things NBA.