Cartman718 wrote:Anji wrote:Time to dump on Melo already??? In a week this thread will be gone and forgotten.
It's not about dumping on Melo, but compared to him, Amare has shown much professionalism. He was the first one to say he'll do whatever it takes to win even though its a bench role (team meeting). And he's yet to get into conditioning to play 40 mins, but he's going to get there.
If Melo is facing zone or double teams, he simply has to pass the ball to the open man. Like Clyde says... the ball will find him. There are glimpses of this that he has shown off and on all season. The question is... why is it just glimpses. If all we are going to get is glimpses of good defense, glimpses of basketball IQ, then how is he really the best player on the team... only by offensive talent?
There is a time and place for BULLY BALL as was needed in a close game against Boston. You cannot play Bully Ball when you are down 20. Make smart plays, its not that difficult for other elite players in the league.
Would you call him an overall top 5 player in the league at this point? My gut feeling is that he was surrounded by some serious championship veterans because Woody wanted him to listen to his teammates without trying to influence him directly. With Rasheed, KT, Camby all out (KT playing sparing mins) there's no one who dares to talk to him and reign him in. I am surprised that Kidd hasn't already done this, but right now, Melo is back to Denver Melo, Iso Melo, Second round exit Melo.
first round exit Melo.
This team, including Melo, excluding Amare, is NOT playing with any poise or discipline.