I dare you Melo, to accept this role, to be a leader, to guard your man, to take us to the Promised landI think its a good idea. Melo has focused on since 2 main things that made him who and what he is today.
Scoring and rebounding
I don't believe, being a distributor is a strong part of his game.
However, he does have the the tools to do it, just like having the size and athleticism to be a good defender.
Being a facilitator, having trust in team mates, and being a good defender, is what sepperates him from the status of
Lebron
Durant
Wade
Rose
Jordan
He has so much confidence in his abilities to score that he doesn't trust his team mates at times.
Although, Jared Jeffries didn't score that easy dunk last year, Melo made the right decision by passing it to a wide open team mate.
As much as Lebron and the list of the above, can score, they aren't nearly as the black hole Melo is.
Those guys allow ball movement and even though they may shoot the ball 20 straight times when they touch it, they can give the ball up and are willing to move the defense.
This allow's the opponent to get fatigued and still have the element of surprise, not knowing who to guard or allowing defenders to cheat.
Chances are, once Melo touches the ball, he will, look to put the shot up. Defenses know that and use it to our disadvantage.
And vice versa, once Melo misses those bad shots, it defeats, morale and team play.
When you can trust in your team mates and they produce, by scoring, setting picks, finding the open guy, it also adds confidence to their games.
It is natural, they will play harder, cut more, set picks, and adrenaline kicks in takes over. Mentally, the team, feels they have contributed to the play.
If they miss, they feel responsible and will try to make up for it with on both ends.
It becomes an extra weapon on the court and it can have multiple effects on team play and creates chemistry.
Most importantly, it makes our opponents play honest and we can have them 2nd guessing their defensive strategy if we can achieve this and play as 1.
Like anything in life, you learn from mistakes, with trial and error, and just have to keep trying. Melo has to gain these skills before and be accept the role of being a better defender before he can hang with the above players. He has to use his energy, in area's he never did in his past with team play and defense. Conserve his stamina and brain to analyze the defense, to be a true leader and have the respect of his team mates with trust. Play a role, in which he has never truly experienced. Give credit, confidence, and the opportunity to create and gain the most out of his team. So, Yes, I want him to learn to be a facilitator because I believe he can bring his game to the next level if so. You can't possibly score every time you touch the ball. By being this guy, he will learn how to read defenses and how to react to it, having more options, gaining more faith in his team.
He has to learn to gain the most out of his team mates, individually, and as a whole. To achieve the most, out his players, and team. Sometimes, this might mean
taking a back seat, sharing the spot light and glory with the team. Being a true, leader and respect by your team, his rookies, his peers, the league, and the fans.
Taking responsibility in defending your own man, instead of trying to grab the rebound at times. You can't always cheat, depending on who he is guarding, he can't leave shooters like Delfino open, NEVER! When he can to all this, hold his own, and be able to help his team mates, he will be with the greatest.
I dare you, Melo, to accept this challenge....
Sincerely,
A Diehard Knick Fan
