First things first. Let's see the NYK drop 25 assists on a regular basis. Let's see how many teams they can beat to rebounds.

Can Carmelo ever get to wear a white Knicks jersey?

Expect the unexpected...(and ALWAYS remember the immortal words of a MSG Usher during the 1999 NBA Playoffs...

"dese guys don't do nuttin' da easy way"

There should be space, lord knows there aren't any plays drawn up on it!

I think the Knicks will be a respectable defensive team, especially with JJ in here now. He was really solid before the Knicks traded him, and that was with Lee, Duhon, Gallo, etc... he gets out and challenges so many shots and tips a lot of balls. Doesnt get many rebounds as his position is always poor (because he challenging shots) but as Panos will attest JJ is a good glue player on that side of the ball.

The problem remains rebounding, and thats a problem that can keep poor teams in the game. I cant see the Knicks putting together any kind of serious win streak without solving that problem.

I would REALLY like to see a big lineup of JJ/Amare/ShawnWilliams/Melo/Billups. You have your big 3 scorers and two very long athletic guys who thrive on defense and can guard both bigger and smaller players. JJ/SW have 7'1 and 7'3 wingspans, are fast and rotate very well. It just comes down to Melo/Amare working the glass, which sometimes happens and sometimes doesnt.

I really really want a Heat vs Knicks matchup in round one. I think we take 'em and I still remember '99 and what I think was Ewing's last chance @ a ring

Go NY Go!

Solace wrote:

Vmart wrote:

Solace wrote:The problem here is with the amount of games left, 40 is probably more likely than 50. I think we have a good team, but I don't think the schedule is going to allow us enough time to bring it to 50. I'm expecting approximately 45 wins.

How can that be a good team if you are predicting 40 that means they are going to play below .500 ball for rest of the season. I agree with you 45 might be right.

You misread. I predicted 45. I said that it's more likely that we have a bad stretch and drop to 40, then play off the charts and get 50. That's all. Nothing else.

I got you, at first I thought 40 wins then I read on and got your prediction and agreed with it.

fishmike wrote:

simrud wrote:Takes time for a team to play good team basketball. Especially with Dantoni who relies on running an intricate offense that takes time to learn. And forget about them learnign any defensive shchemes, I'm not even sure the coach has any out side of the pseudo-zone with a mobile big switching to the guards on top.

its depends on the team and the style of play. I think the Knicks are set up to gell faster than most for a few reasons:
1) their main guys are iso players primarily. Stat might be best catching in motion but he can score 1-1 and Melo and Billups are both great 1-1 players
2) that high post zone with JJ covering like half the court works pretty well. Its simple and effective. The key to it is rebounding. Knicks must keep guys off the offensive glass.

You guys laugh now but JJ is going to have an impact on this team and fast.

I think you are right. The key to this trade is Billups and with JJSkinny actually making his nick name, "Glue Guy", come true.

I would still want a big rebounding center but Fishlips will do. 50 wins is a very good possibility.