Silverfuel wrote:

fishmike wrote:Did Carmelo look like a great closer in the Boston series? I saw turnovers, missed shots, offensive fouls, clanged 3s (thats MDA's fault obviously). Its hard to score in those spots. Thats why Mavs won. Dirk was able too and Lebron and Wade were not able to. They really choked. But what has Melo shown in the playoffs (not just this year) that says he's been then any of those guys? Nothing yet...

Lebron is the most talented player in the game. When the Heat upgrade their bench and frontcourt the Heat will win a title (or 4). Does anyone really doubt this?

Carmelo unlike Lebron, wasn't afraid of crunch time.

neither was Jamal Crawford but who cares if your not winning games?

Silverfuel wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Silverfuel wrote:

fishmike wrote:Did Carmelo look like a great closer in the Boston series? I saw turnovers, missed shots, offensive fouls, clanged 3s (thats MDA's fault obviously). Its hard to score in those spots. Thats why Mavs won. Dirk was able too and Lebron and Wade were not able to. They really choked. But what has Melo shown in the playoffs (not just this year) that says he's been then any of those guys? Nothing yet...

Lebron is the most talented player in the game. When the Heat upgrade their bench and frontcourt the Heat will win a title (or 4). Does anyone really doubt this?

Carmelo unlike Lebron, wasn't afraid of crunch time.

neither was Jamal Crawford but who cares if your not winning games?

That's a good point but don't you think Lebron disappearing in crunch time is a problem? The guy was back pedaling to half court instead of asking for the ball.

I see where your going with this and I agree... Lebron took a hit with this series loss, no doubt. But he STILL was 2 wins from a title, and he DID dominate many of the playoff games that led up to the finals.

There is something not mentally right with him. Toughness? A little disconnected? He's still young and can mature.

And on Melo... I think watching Dirk is what makes you hopefull, because Dirk HAS gotten better later in his career, more mature, more of a leader... you hope Melo follows that path (at least I do)

fishmike wrote:And on Melo... I think watching Dirk is what makes you hopefull, because Dirk HAS gotten better later in his career, more mature, more of a leader... you hope Melo follows that path (at least I do)

Part of what made Dirk more effective is that he has a great team around him in terms of overall balance, chemistry and skill level. He has guys that helped to hold the fort when he rested or wasn't hitting shots. When Melo was going off in game 2 he didn't have that same kind of support, mostly cuz CB and STAT were out. If he did have good help, the Knicks win that game. Next year and beyond we're gonna get a real clear understanding of what we have in Melo. As the roster improves around him and the team is built up we'll see if he can then push his team over the top or shrink in the big moment like Lebron.

Gymkata wrote:Here's a goofy hypothetical question: Miami offers LeBron for Carmelo in a straight swap right now. Do you accept?

Yes. Amare has no problems playing off the ball AND Amare can be the man

fishmike wrote:

Silverfuel wrote:

fishmike wrote:Did Carmelo look like a great closer in the Boston series? I saw turnovers, missed shots, offensive fouls, clanged 3s (thats MDA's fault obviously). Its hard to score in those spots. Thats why Mavs won. Dirk was able too and Lebron and Wade were not able to. They really choked. But what has Melo shown in the playoffs (not just this year) that says he's been then any of those guys? Nothing yet...

Lebron is the most talented player in the game. When the Heat upgrade their bench and frontcourt the Heat will win a title (or 4). Does anyone really doubt this?

Carmelo unlike Lebron, wasn't afraid of crunch time.

neither was Jamal Crawford but who cares if your not winning games?

lets not forget that melo has been on the team for two months going against a boston team that is experienced and great defensively. melo DID try and he didnt shy away from the ball. the celtics crowded him and dared everyone else to shoot. i blame toney douglas more with his clear matador defense and missing open shots than what melo did. melo usually makes the right play at crunch time but he cant do anything if the team ( or refs with phantom calls) arent cooperating ( ahem, jared jeffries?)

Personality wise, LeBron is an immature punk, but every team takes LeBron because they want a chance. A few years ago, everyone was ragging on Dirk; Now he has a title. LeBron will almost definitely have at least one before he's done. I'd be kinda shocked if Carmelo winds up with one, sorry.

I'll take the assassin.

I still take LeBron if I had the choice or the chance to make a straight-up trade.