GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The New York Knicks won't sign Allen Iverson, believing any short-term gain would hinder their plans to build for the future.

Team president Donnie Walsh said yesterday the team won't make any additions at this time despite its 2-9 record. He added the decision to pass on the former MVP had nothing to do with Iverson's ability to play or his character in the locker room.

Coach Mike D'Antoni said Iverson would have come in and played 40 minutes a game, taking playing time away from others who need to be on the court to continue their growth.

Iverson was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday and became a free agent Thursday night. Walsh said he didn't feel the four-time scoring champion was the right fit at the beginning, but began to reconsider because it's "enticing to think that you can get a guy that can score the ball that way."