We had players that finally fit, with many assets, cap space, Dantoni was able to effectively use Amare effectively, and players that understood the system.
They had chemistry, understood the philosophy, and an identity, something we haven't had since then.
Melo is a great player, not a knock on him, but anytime you trade 4 starters, future draft picks, and "STARPHUQ" the way we did, we need a TEAM PLAYER.
Adding a player like Andre Iguodala with a center from Dalembert, Chris Kaman, or Tyson Chandler would have been perfect.
Felton teamed up with Iman Shumpert, Wilson Chandler, Gallo, and any of these centers would make us a good defensive team and a good offensive team.
Walsh was very respected by our players, David Lee and Nate Robinson both stayed with his for 5 years, and helped us get back some assets with their trades.
He was able to get keep them off the market as RFA, and orchestrate a sign and trade.
He was honest, even though he knew Lee was not going to be part of the Knick's future, he tried to do what was best for The Knicks and Lee's career.
With Nate, he was sent to a Championship contending team, I am not sure if he has learn somethings there, because he has much improved since.
It's bad business, when we had all that youth that were cohesive, to trade for 1 player, it hurt "their feelings" and loss respect that Donnie restored to many bitter players that have left the organisation. With all these rumors, Fields/Jorts and whoever, will and should leave, the way they are thrown around in trade scenarios.
Even Iman Shumpert, there is bitterness with trading him, while he plays his heart out, and trade him for a 38 year old PG when we already have a PG of the future.
Having a respectful GM, with a good relationship/communication between the players, and coach is very important ingredient to have, it goes a long way.