I think (surprisingly) that our backcourt is pretty solid. Fields has re-emerged, Linsanity, JR, BDiddy and Shump are a solid combo.

Tyson has no true backup off the bench who can do what he does for 12-15 minutes.

It's funny how PG and bench depth may have been our biggest flaws and now it may be a strength. The team is so nicely adjustable to running, scoring or defensive attitudes. Although he’s not a starter, Shump is a big key and we’ll miss him tonight.

I think it’s early to make a complete judgment on them tonight. In the second half chemistry should improve and all should better learn their roles. There is a lot that can get better with this squad by the end of the year and that’s part of the fun. That said, a road win against the Heat could really propel us.

The mind set in that locker room better be that know one beats of out for a title this year. They may or may not feel this (yet) but generally they probably are smart enough not to say it to the media.

Personally I don’t know if our guys are talented enough but I’m excited about our chances and potential.

Hard to see Knicks winning it all this year, but they do play hard, play D, and have some pretty big guns. Anything can happen, but as a betting man (and I am) I would go with odds like this to win the East (not title)
Heat: 2-3
Bulls:2-1
Orl: 8-1
NY: 12-1

mrKnickShot wrote:

fishmike wrote:A plus vs. the Bulls is Rose doesnt play much defense and that will really help Lin and the offense. I was really impressed with Chalmer's defense. If he's playing lockdown D next to the Heat's big 3 with the shooters they have hard to see the Heat not winning.

Hard to see Knicks winning it all this year, but they do play hard, play D, and have some pretty big guns. Anything can happen, but as a betting man (and I am) I would go with odds like this to win the East (not title)
Heat: 2-3
Bulls:2-1
Orl: 8-1
NY: 12-1

The flip side is: the bulls are the best defensive team in the NBA.

And the best of all possible worlds for this season anyway, has the MEahME MEat losing to OKC in the Finals. Hopefully in less than 6.
Would be funny for the Big Three to end up as the NJ Kidd Nets of this decade.

I know, it's not likely, but let a man dream.

Lots can happen.

First up is Baron Davis needs to step up and be Baron Davis. That takes 10-20 games.

Lin must limit minutes and not hit a wall.

Amare does not need to be what he was last year, but he needs to be in the time of need. Play defense, rebound, and if he can, put his hands up on D!

JR, Shump, and Fields all have solid important roles to fill.

Melo needs to be a go to guy.

Its all there but Im not sure it can happen in short order.

I'd be happy with anything at the six seed or higher. I don't want Miami or Chicago in the first round.

If make it to the second round, go at least 6 games with either.

That would mark a good success season and something to build on.

Naturally we looked like crap last week against the Heat but no team can move forward unless its tested and understands what the benchmark is.

First you need to beat up most of the sub .500 teams, then you need to play toe to toe with the playoff teams, and then with the elite.

fishmike wrote:Nalod is right... its less about Amare. He can play an LJ type roll and get his when the chances are there. Melo and Chandler will be great. The keys will be Lin and Baron. Because both can really score and Baron is a very strong physical player you will see MDA play them toher at times to counter the doubles on the perimeter and I think if that can happen effectively without really killing the defense you could see something pretty cool. Ive seen Baron personally win playoff series.

If we can get this offense to an MDA caliber and keep the defense the way it is the Knicks will compete for a title for the next few years just like the KNicks of the 90s did. Will they win one? Time will tell...

LJ had a really high bball IQ - Amare does not. Can't really compare or say that he can play that roll. I think that he absolutely can't.

mrKnickShot wrote:

fishmike wrote:Nalod is right... its less about Amare. He can play an LJ type roll and get his when the chances are there. Melo and Chandler will be great. The keys will be Lin and Baron. Because both can really score and Baron is a very strong physical player you will see MDA play them toher at times to counter the doubles on the perimeter and I think if that can happen effectively without really killing the defense you could see something pretty cool. Ive seen Baron personally win playoff series.

If we can get this offense to an MDA caliber and keep the defense the way it is the Knicks will compete for a title for the next few years just like the KNicks of the 90s did. Will they win one? Time will tell...

LJ had a really high bball IQ - Amare does not. Can't really compare or say that he can play that roll. I think that he absolutely can't.

mrKnickShot wrote:

fishmike wrote:

mrKnickShot wrote:

fishmike wrote:Nalod is right... its less about Amare. He can play an LJ type roll and get his when the chances are there. Melo and Chandler will be great. The keys will be Lin and Baron. Because both can really score and Baron is a very strong physical player you will see MDA play them toher at times to counter the doubles on the perimeter and I think if that can happen effectively without really killing the defense you could see something pretty cool. Ive seen Baron personally win playoff series.

If we can get this offense to an MDA caliber and keep the defense the way it is the Knicks will compete for a title for the next few years just like the KNicks of the 90s did. Will they win one? Time will tell...

LJ had a really high bball IQ - Amare does not. Can't really compare or say that he can play that roll. I think that he absolutely can't.

totally disagree. LJ was a physical monster who was two big and powerful for 3s and too quick for 4s. LJs FG% went DOWN every year he was a Knick. Memory isnt serving you well, his production had a massive dropoff and he was forced to be more crafty but this guy was never close to what he was with the Hornets. Last 3 years with the Knicks LJ's FG% was 43% to go with about 5 rebs a game. Pretty pedestrian. But he hit some big shots and thats what everyone remembers, as opposed to the nights where he was good for 10 points and 4 rebs for like $15mm a year

His numbers obviously were not akin to his salary. But, he actually became a much better defender, created a post game and was an excellent passer out of the post. He was a great team players and he completely transformed and salvaged a way to contribute very well to this team.

My memory is just fine. Its not all about numbers jeez.

I loved the guy... I loved everyone on those teams. LJ was a nice piece and Mason was tool and Riley got tired of trying to keep him happy with his touches. LJ was certainly a better soldier.

Amare's already show his jumper is excellent. Yes, he's struggling this year with it but are we really worried this wont get fixed? Im not. He's got some new skills to learn, but if you think Amare is a low IQ player I think your selling him way short.

fishmike wrote:

mrKnickShot wrote:

fishmike wrote:

mrKnickShot wrote:

fishmike wrote:Nalod is right... its less about Amare. He can play an LJ type roll and get his when the chances are there. Melo and Chandler will be great. The keys will be Lin and Baron. Because both can really score and Baron is a very strong physical player you will see MDA play them toher at times to counter the doubles on the perimeter and I think if that can happen effectively without really killing the defense you could see something pretty cool. Ive seen Baron personally win playoff series.

If we can get this offense to an MDA caliber and keep the defense the way it is the Knicks will compete for a title for the next few years just like the KNicks of the 90s did. Will they win one? Time will tell...

LJ had a really high bball IQ - Amare does not. Can't really compare or say that he can play that roll. I think that he absolutely can't.

totally disagree. LJ was a physical monster who was two big and powerful for 3s and too quick for 4s. LJs FG% went DOWN every year he was a Knick. Memory isnt serving you well, his production had a massive dropoff and he was forced to be more crafty but this guy was never close to what he was with the Hornets. Last 3 years with the Knicks LJ's FG% was 43% to go with about 5 rebs a game. Pretty pedestrian. But he hit some big shots and thats what everyone remembers, as opposed to the nights where he was good for 10 points and 4 rebs for like $15mm a year

His numbers obviously were not akin to his salary. But, he actually became a much better defender, created a post game and was an excellent passer out of the post. He was a great team players and he completely transformed and salvaged a way to contribute very well to this team.

My memory is just fine. Its not all about numbers jeez.

which one of those things are impossible for Amare to accomplish? Amare has already been a great leader and a guy who gets behind his teammates. No, its not all about #s, but people tend to inflate the importance LJ had on the Knicks. He was a nice role player. He got destroyed whenver we played the Bulls also.

I loved the guy... I loved everyone on those teams. LJ was a nice piece and Mason was tool and Riley got tired of trying to keep him happy with his touches. LJ was certainly a better soldier.

Amare's already show his jumper is excellent. Yes, he's struggling this year with it but are we really worried this wont get fixed? Im not. He's got some new skills to learn, but if you think Amare is a low IQ player I think your selling him way short.

LJ - after his back problems and much lower expected production showed that he can do those high IQ variables. Without that he was almost worthless.

Amare has really bad hands, LJ had excellent hands. Amare seems like a very below average passer, especially once he makes his move towards the basket. Amare has in no way demonstrated that he can be that high-IQ and low post contributor that LJ was. Can I be wrong? I hope so.

Amare's saving grace could be his jump shot which should not disappear with his athleticism and is alarming that it is so off. If he can get that back, that's where his contribution can really be an asset. And that in no way IMHO shows any resemblance to LJ.