The Game Is Changing
DurzoBlint wrote:
Melo NEEDS to play at the 3. I don't believe he has the injuries he has had if he's playing the small forward. Also, he has been in foul trouble a lot playing the 4 because he simply isn't big enough to bang with most power forwards. On a team with a small 4, he can do it but, it has to be a situational thing. You don't want your "franchise" player being broken down when you can prevent it.
the NBA goes through cycles. The dominant Russell/ Kareem/ Wilt/ center is a relic of the past. The Heat are winning championships without a center and without a typical dominant power forward. Bosh is an outside shooting small forward who happens to be 6'11, Wade is a power forward in a 6'6 frame and Lebron is a lead guard in a power forwards body. Crazy huh?
To that end, the roles are blurred and the standardized positions do not apply anymore. Except to writers not paying attention.
Carmelo Anthony is recognized by his coach and general manager as a unique talent. A skill player in a 6'9 frame that is neither Gus Johnson, Dave DeBusschere or James Worthy. He bangs inside on offense and can drain a three. How crazy is that?
Hear me now and believe me later - Melo's injuries do not decrease with him changing "positions" because he plays to contact. He is a fighter. he gets hit a lot because he is fearless and dives into defenders with evil intent.
The challenge is bundling Mr. Anthony's skill set (and focus) with skill sets that cover all duties on both ends. This is the fun part.
Carmelo and Bargnani may look odd at first glance because most will shove a seven footer, purely due to his height, into an inside role. That is a mistake. Look at Andrea's skill set and not his measurements. That is what Grunwald and Woodson are doing. It is about pace and rhythm. It is about rebounding (Tyson Chandler and others to pick up the slack) and defending the floor... and of course... always...
... hitting the open man.
Will they play nice together, or not?
