He doesn't have to play PF to play like a PF. He can play SF and still make a killing in the post and act like a PF, you would have to have the PF be versatile enough to play the role of a SF to create space for him though which is why Novak comes in handy.

newyorknewyork wrote:Melo when he is on is dangerous as a SF or PF. He can post up and pass out of the post or score in the post, he can face up and shoot over smaller guys or drive on bigger guys. He has quick feet to tip back missed attempts, he can stretch the floor, can guard 3s or 4s for stretches.

He doesn't have to play PF to play like a PF. He can play SF and still make a killing in the post and act like a PF, you would have to have the PF be versatile enough to play the role of a SF to create space for him though which is why Novak comes in handy.

You could give him the ball deep in the post even if he is an SF (point C above) but then our PF will have to be able to make perimeter shots.

pg-Lin
sg-Shump
sf-Novak
pf-Melo
C-Tyson

lethal shooting and better D!

Bonn1997 wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:Damn I like the idea of starting

pg-Lin
sg-Shump
sf-Novak
pf-Melo
C-Tyson

lethal shooting and better D!

That's the exact lineup I was thinking about too.

Yes.

loweyecue wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:I'm also astonished by how good Carmelo can be on defense when he wants to be. That gives me both optimism and frustration with him, though.

Exactly how I feel about his D.

So you would actually start Novak? Even when STAT is healthy? I don't think that would ever happen. While he is injured it would be worth trying for sure. I would like to see whether Novak can deal with starter type minutes or not.

gunsnewing wrote:on 2nd thought I don't see Novak being as effective with the starters. When he comes in the game off the bench he is the main focus on offense. I dont know maybe it can work. Mop deep would be depleted tho. JR is inconsistent

This year I am fine with him at PF until STAT comes back but we could have used STAT on Smith to slide Melo on Joe.

Sidenote: Hickson would have been a good pickup.

yellowboy90 wrote:While I think Melo will make a good PF he just does not have the technique to be a grood enough rebounder at the 4. Can he be taught yes because it just a matter of a lack of effort. He grabs instead of boxing out against most bigs. That is really his only flaw. Although he lacks height ever since he came back from injury(before Woody) he has been technically sound when guarding bigger players in the post most of the times. He is the best at keeping his hands up and has really quick hands. If he can guard Dirk he can guard Bosh. The only eastern conference PF that he might struggle with is Lopez/Humpries(someone physical). However all that being said when healthy he is one of the best small forwards in the game and if he was matched up against Joe Johnson he would have shut Joe down and would have made him work on both ends but I doubt ATL would have matched Joe on Melo due to size. Joe basically did to Fields what Melo does when healthy.

This year I am fine with him at PF until STAT comes back but we could have used STAT on Smith to slide Melo on Joe.

Sidenote: Hickson would have been a good pickup.

Knixkik wrote:Melo is solid at PF, but it is based on who is at the SF. Having a big SF who can stretch the defense really balances the team out and makes Melo at PF make a ton of sense.