Knixkik wrote:martin wrote:Vmart wrote:martin wrote:Vmart wrote:I have no idea how anyone could start Shumpert over Fields. Come next year Fields will be so vastly improved for the simple reason he has endured an entire season as a starter that experience will help Fields. I can't see how starting a rookie will be beneficial to the Knicks at this time.
See Fields, 2010-2011.
At this time. Last year was nice as playoffs were the expected now there is a whole level of different expectation, why go to battle with a rookie all over again when last year's rookie has a year under his belt. Makes no sense to revert back when going forward yields better results. Now if Shumpert blows everyone out of the water with his play then maybe he deserves to start.
Great. So your point is that if Shumpert is better than Fields, Shumpert should start, otherwise Fields should start.
Did I sum it up right?
No one should be too quick to dismiss Fields. If Shumpert proves to be a stud, great, it only strengthens our bench with Fields as 6th man. Otherwise keep in mind that Fields will be vastly improved, particularly as a shooter and will be more prepared for the second half of the season especially. Fields is already an underrated shooter. I'm not sure why people think we need a better shooter at the SG position. He can knock down from anywhere and was 50% from the field and 39% from the 3. He could come in and be more consistent of course, but he has the potential to be a top 3-point shooter in the league down the road. I think he has a chance to come in and increase his averages, learn how to play alongside Melo, and be the future at the SG position.
Fields is a solid shooter and he moves well without the ball. However, he is not an explosive slasher and is only a so-so defender. Shumpert is an elite defender and we need that in this lineup more than anything else. You add Shumpert (assuming he can hit an open shot) and a solid defensive center to this lineup, and if MDA would put more work in scouting and coaching defense (they need to hire a defensive assistant), I think you will see this team move into the top 12-15 in defense, which is where we have to get if we are going to truly contend.
Pryzbilla would be a good pick up for us - good size, a defensive presence.
7/7/2011 1:41 AM
