Bonn1997 wrote:

crzymdups wrote:Someone pointed out that it's similar to Channing Frye's second season in NY. The game is still the same, but it seems like the confidence is gone and the guy is pressing.

I think he'll be fine again, but I do also think Shump might be a better fit with the starting unit, especially once Baron is fully up and running. Though Baron could also help Landry regain his game - it'd be nice to have an actual PG again.

Frye is not a good example if you want to argue that Landry will be fine!

He was one of the most important players on the Suns team that made it to the Western Conference Finals in Amare's last season there.

Knixkik wrote:

misterearl wrote:

holfresh wrote:I saw a couple of good things from Landry last night...He bulked up a touch over the summer...There were three times where he drove hard to the hole...He wasn't as aggressive last year...Two drives didn't fall last night but his effort was there...I think he needs time...He just needs some confidence knocking down the open jumper...If he continues to go hard to the hole that may be another dimension to his game that can help us...It's still preseason in my eyes...Give him some time...

Great observation. There is nothing wrong with Landry Fields that a double double game cannot fix.

Fix the lead guard and you fix the Knicks.

People think Melo was the difference in Fields game, but it was the change in PG. Put him next to a healthy Davis, or Nash, or back with Felton and you a see a more natural Fields. That being said, he probably isn't a long-term starter, he is probably best as a 6th or 7th man backing up the SG/SF. Shumpert will eventually fill that role and Fields will find his role as a top reserve on our contending team, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Outstanding point Knixkik - Watching an indecisive Toney Douglas walk, or jog, the ball upcourt, with all this talent, is painful.

There was a sequence last night where Douglas dribbled to the right side of the free throw area, and then retreated - still on the dribble - back outside the three point arc.

Just shoot me.

OasisBU wrote:I am not high on Fields but isn't it a little early to throw the towel in on him? He needs to play well this year to get a contract so my guess is he finds his game at some point.

I agree with this and feel that Landry has the smarts to adjust his game
in order to remain the starter. Once again, patience is needed.
If after 15 games he's still struggling, I'd make a change to Shump.

Is there a triangle in the house?

I wonder will Melo's venture into point forward territory make him have a bit less arrogant and demanding off the ball. I think he will learn quickly that guarding others with his head is a bad idea.

Jorts may already be a better defensive player than Stat.

Olbrannon wrote:Seems to me Fields used to get a lot of his production off lob passes on the back door cuts and putbacks. With Melo being such a rebounder at SF they may not want him to clog up the paint and so he is being kept on the outside more deliberately.

For all the stats that are thrown up though seems like Stat has fallen off as much or more since Melo arrived.

I have said in multiple threads that Fields and Melo shouldn't be on the floor together. Landry's game is in the paint playing off the ball. With Melo/Stat in there he has nowhere to go. The guy should be backing up Melo but now Balkman is laying claim to that duty. Right now Fields doesn't fit very well with the personnel we have. I think he understands this and it's probably making him even less confident.

But him and Blaky together as forwards in the second unit is conceivable, with Bibby and Gumpy in the backcourt.