CrushAlot wrote:

Uptown wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:Martin at PF and Melo at SF would make more sense.

Pretty Much. Hopefully Woodson see's it this way aswell.....

They play really well together and compliment each other. KMart fits in the four role where Amare didn't with Melo/Tyson.

How? Amare can stretch the floor kmart cant. Although he will hit the occassional jumper whereas tyson wont. The good thing about kmart those is he doesnt demand the ball like amare. He caters to Melo like everyone else. So better fit i agree

With Toronto without Rudy Gay, it is a huge difference that could neutralize Melo, but he was out early the first game and out the game

Bonn1997 wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:I think its the other way. Most fans only care about the defense with a complete disregard for offense. You need both. See miami okc and san antinio

Really? Why are almost all all-stars high PPG players then?

Woah....I'm agreeing with Bonn...Great point.

gunsnewing wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:I think its the other way. Most fans only care about the defense with a complete disregard for offense. You need both. See miami okc and san antinio

Really? Why are almost all all-stars high PPG players then?

Im talking about usually knowledable knick fans not your run of the mill wall street i got tickets to the knicks game from my accountant fan.

I feel too many fans here over look the importance of scoring for defense. Name one team other than detroit who won primarilybwith defense. See Miami

Guns, obviously this team needs to score at a good clip in order to win ball games. To be a successful team, you must be more than adequate at the 3 phases of basketball. Offense, Defense and offense-to-defense/defense-to-offense conversion. That should go without saying.

With that said, if you analyze the make up of this team, in order for us to maximize the talent on the roster and compete with the elite teams in the east, we need to be an elite defensive program. This team has a bunch of defense first guys (Tyson, Kmart, Pablo, Shump, Camby, Sheed, and Kurt). When we raced out to the 18-5 start, we were top 3 in the league in defense. We also hit a ton of 3's, but defensive effort is the only constant (or at least it should be) that will be there everynight. The 3 wont be there all the time.

Unless we are going to fullcourt or 3/4's court press and halfcourt trap, I dont like the idea of the small lineup in the playoffs. Dont like the idea of our best offensive player in Melo, having to bang with David West and Carlos Boozer and risking foul trouble. And lest be honest, its not much of a mismatch against those teams on the offensive end because Deng, and George guard him anyway. Again, the small lineup can be good for short stints, as a change up coming out of timeouts and or against the other teams second unit, but not for very long stretches....

misterearl wrote:“It’s cool, it’s fine. I’m happy to be here. I’ll get minutes. I just want him (Woodson) to know that I can still play and he can count on me, no matter what. I’m letting people know I’m still here and I want to be around.”

I want to see this lineup please.....

Felton, Shump, Melo, Martin, Chandler

This lineup is built to beat Miami. And for the other fans that think Martin and Chandler would clog the paint because they are redundant? Thats where JR Smith off the bench comes in. Then Pablo will sub for Felton.....Who I think is a better PG anyway!

But as a starting unit, I think this gives us the best chance at beating Miami. Isn't that the goal?

I don't want to see Pablo guarding Wade.
I don't want to see Melo guarding Lebron (or any other PF in the league)

Unnecessary wear and tear on your superstar. Melo is not on the same level as Kobe or Lebron or even Durant.....So stop trying to make him into something he's not.

It's really not a big deal.....Since one of the bigs will be the first one to sub out anyway.....Most likely would be Chandler.....If Woodson is smart. And if Woodson really likes defense, he would use this lineup.

It puts everybody into their natural position. Even the second unit.

Felton.............Pablo
Shump..............Smith
Melo...............Copeland
Martin.............Amari
Tyson..............Camby

He has shown he is our BEST PG out of the 3(Felton/Kidd/Pablo) in terms of high IQ with KIDD, faciltating, creating, running a team, but he does have weaknesses
I think we do need 2 ball handlers because we don't have a good/great PG or even one with great speed/quickness to go with a handle
He does not have the size speed/quickness to penetrate/stay in front of quicker/athletic PG's
His smartness/leadership with his Woodson's "FAKE STARTER" has been the most productive as a TEAM player
It takes some responsiblity of creating/facilitating and making decisions away from Felton/Melo

I always thought Felton was a combo guard trapped inside a big boned body with a SG Mentality
However, in his earlier years, he it was well hidden while he still had the speed/quickness to go with the strength/toughness
Many players go DOWNHILL once they approach the ace of 30, some unable to adapt and continue to play in the league, while Felton is about 28/29
Once physical abilities go down hill, the lack of BB IQ, and inabilities catch up on BOTH ENDS as team looks to exploit you
His inability to go through PICKS and defend PG's is a big reason why we have been off to slow starts the past couple months
He also feels the need to "GET BACK" at his defender but by making a shot not with DEFENSE *SOMETIMES a HORRIBLE PULLUP*
FELTON IS STRONG and I always felt he will be due for a big drop off in talent since his first stinct here, a reason why DW did not want to commit to him for more than 2 years as a stoppage PG
Defensively he could defend the SG much better with his toughness vs a speedy/quick PG especially through picks
If he plays the PG, opponents will look to expose him, and it will cause his STAMINA and production to go down

However at some point, we will have to choose PHYSICAL TALENT over MENTAL abilities
Especially in the play offs, you cannot expect to have Pablo defending speedy starting caliber PG's
Problem is Felton better get his ass in top shape and regain that confidence
He has been taking less shots but still hitting the bad % shots recently
I don't know if Felton can defend the PG without being a big liability, as Pablo is a BIG liability vs Playoff STARTING PG's

By the play offs, I hope Iman would be closer to his former self, because if he can defend the PG's, applying the pressure he once did, and initiating our DEFENSE as the other players will play the PASSING LANES BETTER, it could change our team, as DEFENSE will turn in to offense
He also needs to continue to learn how to facilitate/create for others, and hit the 3pinter when left open CONSISTENTLY
These are all areas in which Iman has really improved with his confidence this past week or 2
Hopefully Kidd is mentoring Iman in practice to being a BETTER COMBO GUARD with PG skills
He also needs to learn how to make decisions/initiate the offense and NOT give the ball to Melo EVERYTIME MELO wants the ball, because he will want it 99% of the time
I am not saying he should always not give the ball for 1v1, I am saying, he has to not be predictable, as teams will look to exploit that with no deception at all

earthmansurfer wrote:

blkexec wrote:

misterearl wrote:
“It’s cool, it’s fine. I’m happy to be here. I’ll get minutes. I just want him (Woodson) to know that I can still play and he can count on me, no matter what. I’m letting people know I’m still here and I want to be around.”

I want to see this lineup please.....

Felton, Shump, Melo, Martin, Chandler

This lineup is built to beat Miami. And for the other fans that think Martin and Chandler would clog the paint because they are redundant? Thats where JR Smith off the bench comes in. Then Pablo will sub for Felton.....Who I think is a better PG anyway!

But as a starting unit, I think this gives us the best chance at beating Miami. Isn't that the goal?

I don't want to see Pablo guarding Wade.
I don't want to see Melo guarding Lebron (or any other PF in the league)

Unnecessary wear and tear on your superstar. Melo is not on the same level as Kobe or Lebron or even Durant.....So stop trying to make him into something he's not.

It's really not a big deal.....Since one of the bigs will be the first one to sub out anyway.....Most likely would be Chandler.....If Woodson is smart. And if Woodson really likes defense, he would use this lineup.

It puts everybody into their natural position. Even the second unit.

Felton.............Pablo
Shump..............Smith
Melo...............Copeland
Martin.............Amari
Tyson..............Camby

In your starting lineup who can score from midrange on out? Just Melo and to a point Felton. I'm not saying it won't work but that lineup might have problems scoring.

I agree, I think we have to consider starting JR Smith for this reason, especially with Copeland showing his consistency
He has been taking it to basket recently and he has to continue to do so because we do not have many players that have this ability
JR Smith has shown to be our most BALANCED/ALL ROUND PLAYER on our roster for the year, aside from his moments of bad shot selection/decision making
Regardless, he is one of the most talented players on our roster, and we need talent/physical abilities to win

1) Felton/JR

2) Melo/Iman

3) Pablo/James White

BUT WOODSON IS STUBBORN just like Dantoni
If Iman can return to his former self defensively and add some PG's skills with facilitating/creating

Offense
-----------
Felton
Iman
Melo
Martin
Chandler

DEFENSE
-----------

Iman
Felton
Melo
Martin
Chandler

IF Iman just isnt there yet, I think we have to consider Starting JR Smith because he has shown that he can play the ALL ROUND GAME mode
I know he often makes poor decisions but in terms of talent/speed/penetration/athleticism/DEF, NO ONE COMES close to him on the roster with all those qualities at least at the G spot
JR Smith has been taking it aggressively to the rim and he needs to understand that he is either #1 or #2 on the team that has this ability with Felton
I know he can shoot and probably much better than many of the other players that are standing at the 3point line, but his penetration
BUT we are talking about CONSINSTENCY...

1) opens the game up for himself by being a triple threat, not just a scorer, and adding deception to his game with the defender not KNOWING what JR is trying to do
2) his team by earning a step or wide open shot, as they can expect it more often, and be ready for it instead of not KNOWING what JR wants to do
3) allows him to get in rythme, instead of trying to shoot his way in or out of games like he is in a Casino trying to chase a bet

Copeland's confidence seems high as he is focusing on DEF/REBOUNDS with much more focus as he has earned this PT with this depleted roster
At some point, we would need to start JR, and have the luxury of having a scorer that could go inside out, and play 2-3 positions
I think he is a big too slow for MOST SF's I think he defends PF's and Center's better than he could with a SF
He is no Al Harrington/Black hole either, he often looks to earn a step and/or move the ball vs just firing a shot when he started the season with that mentality as long as he can get it off

I have been impressed with the way he knows how to attack and break down a TEAMS DEFENSE with the PnR, his POST Game, and his ability to draw a defender out to defend him
He is lobbying to stay in the NBA, whether with NY or not, he understands he has his opportunity now to catch some attention with all of our injuries, as Woody should use his ability to score, and build up his confidence for the play offs, I really hope he will be given a fair shot vs giving PT to multiple injured players/coming back to shape with

Wallace
Thomas
Amare

Offense
-----------

PG Felton/Kidd/Pablo either PG with whoever that can defend SG/PG or the match up at the time

JR *has to continue to look to PENETRATE #1 and NOT settle with his FAVORITE SIGNATURE MOVE *step back jumper* He needs to be a triple threat and be a CONSISTENT PLAYER by limiting poor low % plays

Melo

Martin

Chandler

DEFENSE
-----------

JR *has to be able to switch back and forth on AGGRESSIVE MODE by applying pressure using his size/length/athleticism over the PG and sometimes just being honest*

PG *let's face it, our 3 headed PG has problems staying in front of opponents PG's and for 3 months + Woody has not done adjustments to this, Kmart's being a mobile defender/shot blocking presence*

Melo *has to know the difference in between playing DEF as a PF and a SF, and the matchup DEFEND THE SHOT especially with SHOOTERS*

Martin *yes, I would prefer him defending a player like David West or Bass, but who will match up best vs Lebron or Durant at PF?, think we need to sign a SF/PF*

Chandler *would like to see how he play's defensively now with the addition of Martin, I think it would be similar to the defense we had with Jeffries*
Would be nice if Iman returns to his old self, initiating our DEFENSE, along with adding a versatile athletic SF/PF

As far as the pg and sg? Pablo and smith might be the best we have at those positions. But can't see woodson doing that. It also depletes our bench. And when u pair jr and melo together they are counter productive since they both like to have the ball in their hands to be effective.

Im not worried about our offense or mid range shooting with felt.shump.melo.martim.tyson. nobody on the team takes mid range shots anyway.

As long as we are getting stops. You have to set the defensive momentum at the beginning and ending of game.....especially during the playoffs. Then plug in jr smith off the bench to inject some offense.

Offense wins games....defense wins championships.

BRIGGS wrote:

blkexec wrote:

misterearl wrote:“It’s cool, it’s fine. I’m happy to be here. I’ll get minutes. I just want him (Woodson) to know that I can still play and he can count on me, no matter what. I’m letting people know I’m still here and I want to be around.”

I want to see this lineup please.....

Felton, Shump, Melo, Martin, Chandler

This lineup is built to beat Miami. And for the other fans that think Martin and Chandler would clog the paint because they are redundant? Thats where JR Smith off the bench comes in. Then Pablo will sub for Felton.....Who I think is a better PG anyway!

But as a starting unit, I think this gives us the best chance at beating Miami. Isn't that the goal?

I don't want to see Pablo guarding Wade.
I don't want to see Melo guarding Lebron (or any other PF in the league)

Unnecessary wear and tear on your superstar. Melo is not on the same level as Kobe or Lebron or even Durant.....So stop trying to make him into something he's not.

It's really not a big deal.....Since one of the bigs will be the first one to sub out anyway.....Most likely would be Chandler.....If Woodson is smart. And if Woodson really likes defense, he would use this lineup.

It puts everybody into their natural position. Even the second unit.

Felton.............Pablo
Shump..............Smith
Melo...............Copeland
Martin.............Amari
Tyson..............Camby

Its playing into Miamis hands by going super big. They will use speed and transition to kill you. By using a 4 1 spread--we can fight fire with fire and when we need to go double big--we can do that for spots minutes as well. Movinf Felton to the 2g is key. While he has NOT had a big game yet from the 2--I believe he will. And that that will give us 1 25 pt scorer and 3 15+ scorers Martin Felton Smith will open up pick and roll for Tyson Chandler against 2nd line players and open shooting lanes for Kidd Novak and Copeland. Keep Prigioni starting PG and Martin SC. We did well with amare off the bench--we will do the same with Tyson---Tyson has a bulging disk--anyone want to finish him for the season? Keep him at 25 minutes and second team

These are the minutes during the two Heat blow outs...

Felton (35)
T.Chandler (31)
Kidd (32)
Thomas (11).....Kmart
Brewer (27)......Kmart
Novak (34)
Smith (23)
Wallace (14)
Pablo (13)

38 potential minutes for Kmart

Melo (39)
Felton (33)
Kidd (23)
Chandler (25)
Brewer (20)......Kmart
Novak (26)
Smith (34)
K.Thomas (16).....Kmart
Pablo (16)

36 potential minutes for Kmart

Kurt Thomas and Brewer got a combined 38 and 36 minutes in a Heat blowout....

All I'm doing is substituting Kmart for these two guys....

Kmart has better defense that Thomas and Brewer.

Kmart has a higher FG% than Thomas and Brewer.

Kmart is just as fast as Brewer and faster than Thomas.

How is adding Kmart to the starting 5 making us super big? Don't forget, Kmart is only 6'7.5 (maybe 6'8).