earthmansurfer wrote:Chandler deserves being captain with his play. Maybe next year and if Lin keeps up his play he might be co-captain, I mean he is the pg.
Mutiny In The Garden Of Good and Evil
Who died and made Carmelo and Amar'e Captain's anyway?
For better or worse, the rest of the roster has adopted a playing personality that resembles something Knicks fans enjoyed, once upon a time. No matter what happens, there is no turning back now. The supporting cast has gotten a taste of what it feels like to win and it feels good. They have a better sense of themselves as a whole.
Although Lin was the straw that stirred the drink, this is not just a Jeremy thing. Tyson Chandler, thanks to skilled help from Lin, is an integral component of the offense. When he scores 17 points or more - the Knicks chances of winning increase dramatically. When the big man scores he feels good.
With the attention focused on Chandler at the high post, Fields is dashing and slashing. Landry is also watching Lin go hard to the rack and figures, "if he can go hard at 6'3 - so can I." Lost in the commotion in DC was Fields 11 rebounds against a tall Wizards frontline.
The lively rookie Shumpert watches Fields from the bench and figures, "if he can go hard to the glass - so can I." Shump has matured and become more selective. He is doing a better job of maintaining his dribble and learning the joy of driving inside. Look for better things from The Iman as his first trip around the league becomes more routine.
Want another shocker? The previously shy - or ignored - sharpshooter formerly known as Steve Novak has morphed into a clone of the dearly departed Extra E. At 6'10, Novak is money from three. All he needed was someone to get him the ball in rhythm.
Which brings us to the rough, rugged and oh-so-raw Jared Jeffries. Using his name in the same sentence with Amar'e Stoudemire feels crazy but in his unique way - Jeffries brings more to the floor. Yeah, The Answer Man said in the context of this crazy change, Jeffries brings more to the floor than Amar'e Stoudemire. He brings perimeter defense, boxes out, causes deflections, and is a magnet for offensive charges.
Each time Jeffries makes a layup an Angel gets its wings. He should be banned from taking a jump shot, right? Wrong. He's GOTTA take the shot so defenses are reminded they are not playing five on four. "You are a pro, you gotta take an open shot." Who knows?... one may go in. As ugly as Jeffries' game appears, he is the REAL glue guy that does enough of everything to make the thing work.
It is a beautiful thing. Win or lose. Why?
Because the Knicks FINALLY have an identity to refine and improve on. The prime directive is being aware of your running buddies at ALL times. When he returns, Amar'e would be wise to let his offense come to him and not bull his way inside. Lin will get him the ball in the correct spot. Same with Mr Carmelo Anthony at the end of the month.
Pass it On.
2/10/2012 8:31 PM