Bonn1997 wrote:In the wise words of Nalod, you don't get 8 to 10 year veterans to change them.

The hell you don't. The reality is that change is inevitable. You either change or be trampled.

Carmelo is a work in progress. Woodson understands his job is to persuade Carmelo to be himself and at the same time keep his eyes open. One of the coolest things Scott Brooks said about Kevin Durant is that he plays like he has no talent. The Answer Man digs the hell out of that quote.

IrishKnickFan wrote:Can't compare Durant to melo. Durant is an elite player who i would love to have.

IKF - why is it he instant two players are mentioned in the same sentence the conversation devolves into a game of "who is better that this guy?"

The Thunder were worse than our beloved Knicks in turning the ball over. Their assists, given all their gifted yoots, were pitiful. There was a moment last night when Durant was completely ignored by Westbrook (a borderline superstar) who was content to pound he rock into submission into a bad (missed) shot.

The point being, in the same manner DWade and Lebron - and Westbrook and Durant are figuring it out - our Trouble Man, Carmelo Anthony is still learning how to get in where he fits in. The Celtics big three had eons of experience - besides there were too OLD to go solo crazy - they needed one another to hold it together. They all conceded ego and won a ring.

Carmelo and Amar'e still believe they can carry a team on their shoulders. That is not a bad thing because you need warriors. How much does Durant need to concede to Westbrook and vice versa?

THAT is the personality trait that needs consideration. NOT whether some guy is better than another guy.

Can Carmelo learn the delicate art of understanding exactly what is the move for the moment? Can Lebron and DWade? Can Westbrook and Durant?

That is the question.

IrishKnickFan wrote:i meant that melo and amare will have that type of mentality where they have to lead and push themselves to take our team to the next level

Lemme see if I can restate this:

Westbrook and Durant are superior individual, offensive players. They do not make each other better nearly as much as the should but they can get away with it because they are tireless and that gifted. The clutch James Harden makes it a party.

Carmelo is a superior offensive player. You cannot cover him. Period. He can get any shot he wants and make it enough of the time to be a problem for any team. Amar'e has superior, individual offensive skills and on a good day (when he is not turning it over like a three egg omelette) he can be a load to cover. It is their court vision, and ability to adjust on the fly to one another, which sucks.

What they do not have is enough feel for each other on the court to know where the other is at all times. When one moves, the other stands and watches. There is no esp, no intuition and, as a result, fewer assits in the scorebook. Anthon and Stoudemire should move like a winning pair on Dancing With The Stars.

What we need more than anything is dance lessons.

misterearl wrote:Our Gang

IrishKnickFan wrote:i meant that melo and amare will have that type of mentality where they have to lead and push themselves to take our team to the next level

Lemme see if I can restate this:

Westbrook and Durant are superior individual, offensive players. They do not make each other better nearly as much as the should but they can get away with it because they are tireless and that gifted. The clutch James Harden makes it a party.

Carmelo is a superior offensive player. You cannot cover him. Period. He can get any shot he wants and make it enough of the time to be a problem for any team. Amar'e has superior, individual offensive skills and on a good day (when he is not turning it over like a three egg omelette) he can be a load to cover. It is their court vision, and ability to adjust on the fly to one another, which sucks.

What they do not have is enough feel for each other on the court to know where the other is at all times. When one moves, the other stands and watches. There is no esp, no intuition and, as a result, fewer assits in the scorebook. Anthon and Stoudemire should move like a winning pair on Dancing With The Stars.

What we need more than anything is dance lessons.

If OKC teaches us anything about modern basketball, it is that two or three stars are not enough.

Lebron and DWade need more help. They desperately miss a guard who can lead. A third helper would be nice. You cannot win everything with just three guys.

Meanwhile back in OKC... 23 years old and Durant understands that he is part of a team that needs him to do different things at different times. Need an assist? No problem. Hit Perkins for the open dunk and then go hug Momma with 14 seconds remaining on the game clock. Somewhere, someone is asking for a recount on the MVP voting. Too many so-called sportswriters do not spend the time to think about what they are paid to write about. Humility has its rewards - and championship banners are awarded to teams, not individuals.

Can I get a witness?

Humility!

Knixkik wrote:Luckily, i think we have a lot of similarities as OKC as far as our team makeup, they just have a ways to go. Melo is a top-10 talent, Stoudemire and Lin are both capable all-star caliber players, and Chandler controls the paint as the DPOY. We aren't OKC, but aren't as far off as many think. It comes down to chemistry.

Knixkik - agree. Chemistry is a good thing and the Knicks have some solid parts at the core. Chandler, Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony only need 5-6 more solid components. Lin and Shumpert are keepers. That reduces the number to three or four.

Once the backcourt ball handling is upgraded with quick minds and stronger bodies the offense will gain more rhythm. Two new guards please. That cuts the wish list to two. I'll take one power forward/ center and a 6'8 swingman who can spell Carmelo with clutch scoring (The prodigal number 7 son, Lamar Odom would be a snug fit).

There is some positive energy around this franchise that is based in stability, for once. From Glen Grunwald to the last man on the bench, there is something to look forward to as we slide into Summer League.