loweyecue wrote:

martin wrote:I don't think TD played well in the PG role, but forcing a young backup into a starting role against perhaps the best half court defense in the league that really only has to focus on Melo doesn't really seem to me the best way to judge a player.

TD has been in this system the longest he should be able to step it up though.

I have been up and down on TD all year, mostly down. Part of what can make TD very good is his speed and offensive ability, a lot of which was taken down a few notches early on cause of shoulder injury second game of season.

TD has been in the system the longest, but when you have a revolving door of players, I am not sure how much that means - everyone has to be on the same page for a system to work, and especially considering the last Melo overhaul, how much did that change the system (again)? I am also pretty sure the system is completely different pre-Amare and with Amare.

We all know that TD is not a classic pass-first PG. I am not even convinced he knows how to turn the corner and penetrate. BUT, how long does it take for PGs to develop, especially one transitioning from SG? Or, has even progressed? Or progressed enough?

Mike Conley FINALLY looks good as a PG running a team. High draft pick, classic PG in his 4th year. Does he do the same 2 years ago?

He's had flashes of brilliance this year. I'd say that he's along the lines of a Leandro Barbosa-type of combo-guard, perhaps better, perhaps a little more upside. I'd like to think he'll come back next season with more PG poise... and an improved ability to execute the pick and roll, and less of a tendency to run into charges.

On a team like the Knicks with superstars in Carmelo and Amare, you really need a veteran pass-first sort of player available to just run plays and get some basic production from the system. The Knicks had great success pre-Carmelo trade with players like Chandler/Felton/Gallo/Fields playing like stars just by running the system.

technomaster wrote:TD's play kind of reminded me of Kobe Bryant's first experience in the playoffs (albeit as an 18 year old!)... taking big shots down the stretch (and in some cases, shooting airballs) and gambling a lot on defense.

He's had flashes of brilliance this year. I'd say that he's along the lines of a Leandro Barbosa-type of combo-guard, perhaps better, perhaps a little more upside. I'd like to think he'll come back next season with more PG poise... and an improved ability to execute the pick and roll, and less of a tendency to run into charges.

On a team like the Knicks with superstars in Carmelo and Amare, you really need a veteran pass-first sort of player available to just run plays and get some basic production from the system. The Knicks had great success pre-Carmelo trade with players like Chandler/Felton/Gallo/Fields playing like stars just by running the system.

This is not for NYC. We need Stars not systems.
Leave the systems in San Antonio, Utah, and Denver.

I believe we need a starting SG. Once we get it, if we do, I see Fields as the backup SG. If Fields can be close to what he was at the begining of the season, he will be a heck of a backup SG. I don't mind keeping Doug, but not at his current role and probably a less significant one, so if we can improve the team in other areas by trading him, I wouldn't mind.