Since Carmelo Anthony has gone off since March 26, averaging exactly 30 points per game entering Tuesday, there are those who are concerned that by adding Amare Stoudemire to the starting lineup will disrupt what Melo's been doing.
But Mike Woodson has made it clear that STAT will not come off the bench, and that his immediate role will not cause any disruptions
"We just want him to get healthy," the coach said. "I don't think there will be adjustments. I am pretty sure he will fit right in. Our biggest thing is for him to get healthy. We will need him down the stretch."
I, for one, believe Woodson is making the right decision. While the stats indicate Anthony and Stoudemire score more when the other is sitting, together they'll benefit the entire offense by putting more pressure on the defense to start games. There's not enough of that consistently right now. Eventually, more double teams (on Anthony and Stoudemire) will lead to better spacing, which will lead to more open shots. Jumping out on leads is always important, and the Knicks will have a better shot at doing that with both them on the court right away.
Stoudemire will not get in the way of what Anthony has been doing. He's a guy who will sacrifice touches for the greater good of the team. In fact, if Anthony passes like he did tonight (10 assists), then Stoudemire will love playing with him. He'll find an ocean of room to shoot his patented midrange jumpshot. Of course, both will have to sacrifice a little for their playing relationship to work, but they've already done that -- and it worked.
From the time Mike Woodson first took over the team on March 14, to the last game Stoudemire played on March 24 before going down with a bulging disk, the Knicks went 6-1. And that was with Anthony and Stoudemire in the starting lineup together, which resulted in standout team production usually surpassing 100 points.
The biggest challenge then offensively was that Anthony wasn't as healthy as Stoudemire. Melo was still dealing with a right wrist injury. Now that he's 100 percent and Stoudemire should be fine when he returns this Friday or Sunday, that will make their combined offense and defense even better, and, as a result, benefit the entire team.
Let's go Knicks. That's amare
4/18/2012 8:57 AM