fishmike wrote:I hated the trade. HATED it. The only way imo to justify it is if we win a title. I have been outspoken about my reasons for a long time. Its as simple as this (and this is the last time I will discuss it here)
2 years ago the Knicks were off to a bad start w/ Amare, Felton, etc.. they quickly straightened things out.
Here were the facts:
After slow start Knicks went 21-9 over a 30 game stretch
Knicks were 3rd or 4th (honestly forget) youngest team in the league
Knicks had wins over NBA elite teams Dallas, Chi, OK, Spurs and MElo's Nuggets
Knicks roster as contructed at $16mm in cap space to spend on a free agent, while only losing Wilson Chandler (we still could have signed Tyson)

Bottom line (for me)
Knicks were young
Knicks were winning against the NBA elite teams
Knicks were heading to the playoffs
Knicks had a legit MVP candidate
Knicks finally built a roster to fit a coach (first time since MDA was there)
Knicks had prospects and draft picks and huge cap space to improve an already young and upcoming team

What was the reasoning behind dumping all these young players, prospects, picks and cap space to build around a guy who had won nothing, and was poor playoff performer year after year?

It was that simple. Not Melo hate as some love to assume. Knicks were building something good, results were proof in the pudding (good record + lots of wins against NBA elite). We had a real GM with a plan an it seemed like a dream.

In comes Melo. Out of shape, refuses to play in the coaches system and the Knicks are no better with him.

Finally the whole investment hinges on something that NEVER EVER happens for the Knicks (its rare enough in the NBA). That being a veteran player of 8+ years becoming something he hasnt been for the sake of winning. As I see it MElo is boxed in here. He's made his bed and he has not choice but to deliver. He's surrounded by old players who have won more than he has who will keep him accountable. He's got a coach who will do the same (already said he was out of shape last year). As I always try to do I will call it like I see it.. Melo has stepped up and delivered this year. He's defended. TFK is right about some things... some of those post ups could be defended by the donkeys at my local YMCA. At least 1 in 4 shots he takes is nothing more than "I have the ball, Im jacking it up" regardless of game situation or where he is on the court. There are a lot of holes in his game but he's working hard and the Knicks are winning so I will leave it at that, guys cant be perfect and all my favorite Knicks of the past have had holes in their game. Ewing couldnt dribble or pass. Spree shot us out of many games and was always good for missing those adreniline 3s he would take in transition... etc etc

Im happy the Knicks are winning. Coaching has been great. Everyone defends and its nice to have Felton back (prob my fav player in that trade). Funny... it wasnt Mosgov or Gallo for me that killed that trade, it was Felton. 26 YO PG just coming into his own and we get Billups back with no legs. Had we kept Felton in that deal I would have been warmer for sure, but losing all the picks, prospect and our 26 year PG having a career season was too much.

Cut the BS and just say this trade will never be justified in your eyes. The Knicks have been searching for that elusive championship for over 40 yrs. In that time, much batter players than Gallo and Moz have been traded in pursuit of the 'Chip. And now, this was the trademark trade that makes you put unrealistic expectations on their shoulders? The Knicks have fielded much better teams that this one, 94,95,97 and 99 were all better and came away empty handed. Knicks Legend John Starks was sacrificed for the 99 team to have a chance to win a 'chip and I'm sure you didn't put the same expectations on that team that you have put on this one.

tkf wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:Regarldess of what these critics may or may not state in regards to the Melo trade, we replaced a soft and/or overrated European player in Gallo with a great all-around player in Melo. One of America's greatest talent's is who Melo truly is.

Is Melo John Stockton with assists? No. Is Melo Ben Wallace in regards to blocking shots? No. Is Melo Dennis Rodman on the boards? No. Is Melo Iverson with his dribble? No. Is Melo Bruce Bowen on defense? No. What Melo is, is a natural SF in which also has the ability to play out of position (PF) while playing bully-ball on the blocks. He's a scoring phenom. One of the greatest scorers this franchise has ever seen. Has ice water running through his veins during clutch moments/pressure situations. Can score at will, and can simply dominate opposing defenders and/or defesnes when running a half court offense.

Replaced Gallo with Carmelo Anthony.
Replaced Mozgov with Tyson Chandler.
Replaced Wilson Chandler with J.R Smith.
Replaced Eddy Curry with Marcus Camby.
Replaced Anthony Randolph with the likes of Kurt Thomas/Rahseed Wallace.
Raymond Felton has returned to the Knicks as our starting PG.

Have since added talents such as Kidd, Shumpert, Novak, Brewer and Pablo Prigioni.

But yet, we actually had fans (such as TKF and others) crying over the trade for Melo. Acting as if we sold our franchise for Melo. Acting as if our future was bleak without understanding we were on the verge of creating and/or building a true Eastern Conference Power-House surrounding Melo. Not even two full years after the trade for Melo; we're now a 7-1 team and respected around the league as true Eastern Conference contenders. Forget about the hypothetical situations and/or scenarios; if only Ewing had a second superstar to match Jordan and Pippen and/or if only we never traded an all time great PG in Mark Jackson.

I'm speaking reality as of right now. Replacing Gallo with Melo, Mozgov with Chandler, Wilson with J.R, Curry with Camby, AR with Thomas/Rasheed, Felton returning, adding Kidd, Shump, Novak, Brewer and Pablo... Not even two years later, and this is our reality after the trade for Melo. This is who we've built AROUND Carmelo Anthony. Which is a true Eastern Conference contender.

Fans such as TKF were (and are still) crying that we replaced Gallo with a scoring phenom. An actual NBA star. Crying that we gave up a Rookie project from Russia in Mozgov. As if we weren't on the verge of replacing Mozgov with a true defensive anchor in Tyson Chandler not even a year later. Crying how we traded away our "future" in Wilson Chandler without understanding that our front office would land us J.R Smith moving forward. Crying over the loss of Felton at the PG position in which he has now returned to New York. It takes patience, which some of those "win now" types of fans had no clue in regards to. We had to rebuild our franhcise, and we've done so under Carmelo Anthony.

dude you are obsessed with me.. it is getting a bit creepy... I have never seen anyone mention a posters name so much... honestly dude.. it is downright scary..

You may not even know but as a Knicks fan, I've always appreciated your passion for the Knicks homie. Always enjoyed talking ball with you for the simple fact, regardless of the situation, you don't back down from something in which you believe in. I respect that. You're a hard headed NY fan like the rest of us. Try to take what I say outside of the players with a grain of salt, I can disagree with you on Gallo, Melo, the Knicks, the trade, the players etc, etc and it doesn't matter because at the end of the night I already know it's a good time talking N.Y ball with you. I like to see other fans point of views as well. Talking ball with you, give me the opportunity to discuss the Melo trade, re-visit it, see how our franchise is moving forward, compare the players who we all stuck up for two years ago etc, etc. But yeah, that's what's fun about being a N.Y fan around a bunch of strangers. I come here for a good time. Throws me off at work from time to time, but it's something that keeps the time moving. We all have our rep as a fan. We can only use our knowledge as a poster. Were a really down to earth mod at the other place as well. Never banned people for the fun of it. Never shown any of us power trips for having fun as a bunch of Knick fan. That placed changed. You would allow posters to argue Melo vs Gallo, without the locking of the thread, banning that Melo supporter etc, etc. Which I respect you for. I seen first hand how those guys can treat you, but in regards to you as a poster? You don't bother anyone, always been good in my book homie. Who'd you take in a one on one basketball game out of Melo vs Gallo, and why? aha you know I'm just clowning. Only a championship could prove who's right or not.

tkf wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:

tkf wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:Regardless of what Melo critics and/or Gallo lovers such as TKF may state on a message board; The New York Knicks have something that last place team of the Northwest division in the Denver Nuggets doesn't have, which is something that evey championship contending team must feature; which is an actual NBA superstar. A top 5-7 talent. We have that in Melo.

That Nuggets franchise missed the postseason during 7-8 consecutive seasons before the drafting of Melo. After the drafting of the Melo, the Nuggets then went on to land 7-8 consecutive trips to the postseason with Melo leading the way. Regardless of what the critics may or may not say, Melo changed the culture of that franchise. Was their franchise leader. Carried that franchise on his back. Last but not least, Denver's front office NEVER wanted to trade Melo. The difference? Melo was a Knick at heart. Won a championship for a New York college in Syracuse. Forced his way out of Denver in order to play for our New York Knicks. Chances are, Denver misses the playoffs this season. That's what not having a true NBA star will get them.

- An overhyped European player in Gallo has been replaced by one of the greatest American basketball talents in Carmelo Anthony at the SF position.

- A project rookie from Russia in Timofey Mozgov has been replaced by a Championship Winning Center in Tyson Chandler. Our reigning Defensive Player of the Year. A true defensive anchor.

- An overrated Wilson Chandler, who's looking more and more like a product of Mike D'Antonio's offensive scheme/style of play has been replaced by a pure fire 6th Man of the Year contender in J.R Smith. J.R's coming into his own as a role playing leader.

- Raymond Felton has returned to New York, which is key when discussing our trade for Melo. Raymond Felton was our second strongest weapon and/or trade piece behind only Gallo. Felton averaged 17.1 points and 9 assists heading into the trade for Melo. And now, the Knicks landed Felton during the offseason. Felton has returned as if he never left.

Felton returning to New York was (and is) a huge slap in the face in regards to the fans who were against the Melo trade dating back to day one.

funny how you try to single me out.. which just goes to show where your agenda is..

here is a newsflash.. denver had melo.. didn't win, they removed the donkey.... they are fine.. will be fine and won't be saddled with a max contract that can't win..

no matter how much you knock the other players you can't change that fact.....

top 5-7 talent?

dude you need to watch more NBA games.. carmelo's game is a dinosaur , that post up on the wing, begging for the ball, iso, jab step, forcing your way to the rim game is old.. he is getting his shot blocked at record rates, he doesn't pass the ball well and he is still lazy on defense... the NBA's new breed of player, the talent can dribble, pass and loves to defend, they move without the ball, can score without the iso, can create for others.... take a look around dude...carmelo is slowly becoming a CD in a world of MP3's and file sharing....

With all due respect, you sound like a bitter tool.

Denver "removed" Melo? Try again, because you're wrong. Sounds like someone who has no idea in regards to what really happened. You're now believing your own lies and/or thoughts. "Removed Melo". Yea, right, as if Melo didn't refuse to sign their long term offer. Key words being 'Melo refused their long term offer'. They were forced to lose Melo due to the fact that A.) He wanted to play for the Knicks. B.) Was becoming a free agent only a couple of months away. C.) Was forced to trade Melo. Denver didn't "remove" Melo, they lost Melo. You sound clueless right about now. "Removed Melo". Melo removed himself TKF. You sound very clueless right about now...

Denver had Melo and didn't win? Wrong. You're once again, sounding clueless. Maybe you should study the NBA a little closer. Wow, they didn't win an NBA championship. Neither did Ewing. Does that also make our Ewing a career loser as well? LeBron was drafted the same year as Melo and just won his first ring. They lost with Melo? Lies. They won with Melo however they lost without Melo (before Melo) and once again, losing without Melo. Before the drafting of Melo they missed the playoffs during 7-8 consecutive seasons. After the drafting of Melo? They landed 7-8 consecutive trips to the postseason. But yet, they "didn't win with Melo". Grow up. Melo led them to #2 and #3 seeds, during the years of a power-house Western Conference. Unlike LeBron who played in an (at the time) laughing stock Eastern Conference.

You were nothing but a little Gallo lover on RGM. Even kept his avatar up for years on end after the trade. Never removed the Gallo picture. You loved him with all you heart. You were also nothing but a Melo harper over there. Harped over Melo after each and every game. Now, we're 7-1 with Melo as our franchise leader/star. How's your little boy lover in Gallo doing out there in Denver? Try last place.

well, a bitter tool, then so be it.. it seems you can't get past the name calling.. kind of kills your already weak argument..

you keep pointing out to me as being wrong.. denver removed melo.. did they not.. they traded him right? or am I wrong? they traded him, I don't care what he asked for, they traded him.. he was removed..

And no you don't have to win a championship, but do you call a 16-36 playoff record winning?

again, remove your emotion, the silly name calling, the bashing of former knicks and guess what? you will see the same thing i am seeing.. the guy is not a winner at this point...

Now I see you bring in lebron... this is typical carmelo defense, so what you are saying is that carmelo is better than ewing, kobe, lebron, I mean why stop there.. he is just a bad luck guy who has led, dragged, carried his team to a #2 seed and we should just ignore the 16-36 playoff record because.. well.. that just dosen't support your argument..

How's your little boy lover in Gallo doing out there in Denver?

do you see the problem with this type of posting.. It is like you are sitting at your keyboard, with your carmleo jersey on,sweating, turning colors, ripping up gallo pictures as you type.. using no logic and thinking.... what does gallo have to do with this.. he is playing decent actually, just not shooting well, but heck the season is long, I expect that go get better... ok, now I answered that.. better yet, I will go over the top.. He sucks, his daddy sucks, lin sucks, chandler sucks, the picks that denver hasn't made yet, sucks... all of it sucks.. now.. answer this..

how does this change that we still overpaid for carmelo, that he has not proven that he can win in the playoffs (16-36) that is his record, he is a horrible leader, and still a lazy defender... not the type of guy you build around..

again, you have no answer for this.. but i guess I can help you here..

"haha, Lin and gallo sucks"....

that solves everything huh?

You were nothing but a little Gallo lover on RGM. Even kept his avatar up for years on end after the trade. Never removed the Gallo picture. You loved him with all you heart. You were also nothing but a Melo harper over there. Harped over Melo after each and every game. Now, we're 7-1 with Melo as our franchise leader/star. How's your little boy lover in Gallo doing out there in Denver? Try last place.

why not try better.. how about this.. I am the devil, I am satan, I am spawn.....I am the most rotten thing to ever walk the earth... and on top of that, I am a gallo lover, I love his dad, I love his momma, I love everything that rhymes with "gallo".......

with that out of the way, how does that change anything about carmelo? the guy is still the biggest playoff loser in history, and we actually paid assets to bring him here......

regardless of what you think about me.. that will never change...... 16-36 homie...

TKF why are you still a Knicks fan?? Melo is the main man of this team and you better get use to it. I bet you are hoping that we loose every game just to try to bring down Melo. Go root for Houston and Denver. Long Live Melo.

Papabear wrote:

tkf wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:

tkf wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:Regardless of what Melo critics and/or Gallo lovers such as TKF may state on a message board; The New York Knicks have something that last place team of the Northwest division in the Denver Nuggets doesn't have, which is something that evey championship contending team must feature; which is an actual NBA superstar. A top 5-7 talent. We have that in Melo.

That Nuggets franchise missed the postseason during 7-8 consecutive seasons before the drafting of Melo. After the drafting of the Melo, the Nuggets then went on to land 7-8 consecutive trips to the postseason with Melo leading the way. Regardless of what the critics may or may not say, Melo changed the culture of that franchise. Was their franchise leader. Carried that franchise on his back. Last but not least, Denver's front office NEVER wanted to trade Melo. The difference? Melo was a Knick at heart. Won a championship for a New York college in Syracuse. Forced his way out of Denver in order to play for our New York Knicks. Chances are, Denver misses the playoffs this season. That's what not having a true NBA star will get them.

- An overhyped European player in Gallo has been replaced by one of the greatest American basketball talents in Carmelo Anthony at the SF position.

- A project rookie from Russia in Timofey Mozgov has been replaced by a Championship Winning Center in Tyson Chandler. Our reigning Defensive Player of the Year. A true defensive anchor.

- An overrated Wilson Chandler, who's looking more and more like a product of Mike D'Antonio's offensive scheme/style of play has been replaced by a pure fire 6th Man of the Year contender in J.R Smith. J.R's coming into his own as a role playing leader.

- Raymond Felton has returned to New York, which is key when discussing our trade for Melo. Raymond Felton was our second strongest weapon and/or trade piece behind only Gallo. Felton averaged 17.1 points and 9 assists heading into the trade for Melo. And now, the Knicks landed Felton during the offseason. Felton has returned as if he never left.

Felton returning to New York was (and is) a huge slap in the face in regards to the fans who were against the Melo trade dating back to day one.

funny how you try to single me out.. which just goes to show where your agenda is..

here is a newsflash.. denver had melo.. didn't win, they removed the donkey.... they are fine.. will be fine and won't be saddled with a max contract that can't win..

no matter how much you knock the other players you can't change that fact.....

top 5-7 talent?

dude you need to watch more NBA games.. carmelo's game is a dinosaur , that post up on the wing, begging for the ball, iso, jab step, forcing your way to the rim game is old.. he is getting his shot blocked at record rates, he doesn't pass the ball well and he is still lazy on defense... the NBA's new breed of player, the talent can dribble, pass and loves to defend, they move without the ball, can score without the iso, can create for others.... take a look around dude...carmelo is slowly becoming a CD in a world of MP3's and file sharing....

With all due respect, you sound like a bitter tool.

Denver "removed" Melo? Try again, because you're wrong. Sounds like someone who has no idea in regards to what really happened. You're now believing your own lies and/or thoughts. "Removed Melo". Yea, right, as if Melo didn't refuse to sign their long term offer. Key words being 'Melo refused their long term offer'. They were forced to lose Melo due to the fact that A.) He wanted to play for the Knicks. B.) Was becoming a free agent only a couple of months away. C.) Was forced to trade Melo. Denver didn't "remove" Melo, they lost Melo. You sound clueless right about now. "Removed Melo". Melo removed himself TKF. You sound very clueless right about now...

Denver had Melo and didn't win? Wrong. You're once again, sounding clueless. Maybe you should study the NBA a little closer. Wow, they didn't win an NBA championship. Neither did Ewing. Does that also make our Ewing a career loser as well? LeBron was drafted the same year as Melo and just won his first ring. They lost with Melo? Lies. They won with Melo however they lost without Melo (before Melo) and once again, losing without Melo. Before the drafting of Melo they missed the playoffs during 7-8 consecutive seasons. After the drafting of Melo? They landed 7-8 consecutive trips to the postseason. But yet, they "didn't win with Melo". Grow up. Melo led them to #2 and #3 seeds, during the years of a power-house Western Conference. Unlike LeBron who played in an (at the time) laughing stock Eastern Conference.

You were nothing but a little Gallo lover on RGM. Even kept his avatar up for years on end after the trade. Never removed the Gallo picture. You loved him with all you heart. You were also nothing but a Melo harper over there. Harped over Melo after each and every game. Now, we're 7-1 with Melo as our franchise leader/star. How's your little boy lover in Gallo doing out there in Denver? Try last place.

well, a bitter tool, then so be it.. it seems you can't get past the name calling.. kind of kills your already weak argument..

you keep pointing out to me as being wrong.. denver removed melo.. did they not.. they traded him right? or am I wrong? they traded him, I don't care what he asked for, they traded him.. he was removed..

And no you don't have to win a championship, but do you call a 16-36 playoff record winning?

again, remove your emotion, the silly name calling, the bashing of former knicks and guess what? you will see the same thing i am seeing.. the guy is not a winner at this point...

Now I see you bring in lebron... this is typical carmelo defense, so what you are saying is that carmelo is better than ewing, kobe, lebron, I mean why stop there.. he is just a bad luck guy who has led, dragged, carried his team to a #2 seed and we should just ignore the 16-36 playoff record because.. well.. that just dosen't support your argument..

How's your little boy lover in Gallo doing out there in Denver?

do you see the problem with this type of posting.. It is like you are sitting at your keyboard, with your carmleo jersey on,sweating, turning colors, ripping up gallo pictures as you type.. using no logic and thinking.... what does gallo have to do with this.. he is playing decent actually, just not shooting well, but heck the season is long, I expect that go get better... ok, now I answered that.. better yet, I will go over the top.. He sucks, his daddy sucks, lin sucks, chandler sucks, the picks that denver hasn't made yet, sucks... all of it sucks.. now.. answer this..

how does this change that we still overpaid for carmelo, that he has not proven that he can win in the playoffs (16-36) that is his record, he is a horrible leader, and still a lazy defender... not the type of guy you build around..

again, you have no answer for this.. but i guess I can help you here..

"haha, Lin and gallo sucks"....

that solves everything huh?

You were nothing but a little Gallo lover on RGM. Even kept his avatar up for years on end after the trade. Never removed the Gallo picture. You loved him with all you heart. You were also nothing but a Melo harper over there. Harped over Melo after each and every game. Now, we're 7-1 with Melo as our franchise leader/star. How's your little boy lover in Gallo doing out there in Denver? Try last place.

why not try better.. how about this.. I am the devil, I am satan, I am spawn.....I am the most rotten thing to ever walk the earth... and on top of that, I am a gallo lover, I love his dad, I love his momma, I love everything that rhymes with "gallo".......

with that out of the way, how does that change anything about carmelo? the guy is still the biggest playoff loser in history, and we actually paid assets to bring him here......

regardless of what you think about me.. that will never change...... 16-36 homie...

Papabear Says

TKF why are you still a Knicks fan?? Melo is the main man of this team and you better get use to it. I bet you are hoping that we loose every game just to try to bring down Melo. Go root for Houston and Denver. Long Live Melo.

I am actually following Houston and Denver as well. closely..... I am still a knick fan because I like the torture.. LOL.. my hopes is that one day we get it right.... that is why I hang around...after 35 years..

newyorknewyork wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Forced his way out of Denver in order to play for our New York Knicks. Chances are, Denver misses the playoffs this season. That's what not having a true NBA star will get them.

People seem to have the timing wrong here: The turn around for this franchise coincided with the acquisition of what most successful teams have: highly efficient scorers who do many other things well. It didn't coincide with the arrival of Melo.

I agree, but they also go hand in hand. Melo allows the others to have less responsibility. Defenses don't have to key in on Felton or Kidd. Everyone is able to be an option lower then what they can handle at this point in there careers or skill set. Allowing Kidd to be a role player rather then relying on him to save our franchise is the difference from yrs past and now.

Then there is the go to guy in clutch situations aspect. Efficient scorers aren't always efficient when the game is on th line. You need that clutch gene that doesn't fold under pressure and able to hang with the big boys when its crunch time.

Bonn1997 wrote:

newyorknewyork wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Forced his way out of Denver in order to play for our New York Knicks. Chances are, Denver misses the playoffs this season. That's what not having a true NBA star will get them.

People seem to have the timing wrong here: The turn around for this franchise coincided with the acquisition of what most successful teams have: highly efficient scorers who do many other things well. It didn't coincide with the arrival of Melo.

I agree, but they also go hand in hand. Melo allows the others to have less responsibility. Defenses don't have to key in on Felton or Kidd. Everyone is able to be an option lower then what they can handle at this point in there careers or skill set. Allowing Kidd to be a role player rather then relying on him to save our franchise is the difference from yrs past and now.

Then there is the go to guy in clutch situations aspect. Efficient scorers aren't always efficient when the game is on th line. You need that clutch gene that doesn't fold under pressure and able to hang with the big boys when its crunch time.

Historically, it hasn't been the case that guys have played much better with Melo. Right now, it's 8 games. If JR, Kidd, and Brewer are all having career years (in terms of efficiency) at the end of the season, I'll be open to revising that view. It's not clear to me whether Kidd and Brewer are playing better because of Melo or JR though. JR's taking a few less shots than Melo but hitting at a much better rate and passing much more effectively.

Bonn1997 wrote:

newyorknewyork wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Forced his way out of Denver in order to play for our New York Knicks. Chances are, Denver misses the playoffs this season. That's what not having a true NBA star will get them.

People seem to have the timing wrong here: The turn around for this franchise coincided with the acquisition of what most successful teams have: highly efficient scorers who do many other things well. It didn't coincide with the arrival of Melo.

I agree, but they also go hand in hand. Melo allows the others to have less responsibility. Defenses don't have to key in on Felton or Kidd. Everyone is able to be an option lower then what they can handle at this point in there careers or skill set. Allowing Kidd to be a role player rather then relying on him to save our franchise is the difference from yrs past and now.

Then there is the go to guy in clutch situations aspect. Efficient scorers aren't always efficient when the game is on th line. You need that clutch gene that doesn't fold under pressure and able to hang with the big boys when its crunch time.

Historically, it hasn't been the case that guys have played much better with Melo. Right now, it's 8 games. If JR, Kidd, and Brewer are all having career years (in terms of efficiency) at the end of the season, I'll be open to revising that view. It's not clear to me whether Kidd and Brewer are playing better because of Melo or JR though. JR's taking a few less shots than Melo but hitting at a much better rate and passing much more effectively.

My problem with the way u see things is that u evaluate everything base of a model of efficiency...The are many more things in the game that is just as important if not more important..For example...JKidd is playing a much different role with the Knicks than he has played with other teams...So far, it seems key to have revitalized his career...I'm not sure whether it's coincidence or not..But having him play the off guard with his skill set, being a heady player who can pass, has helped ball movement immensely...He floats a bit defensively...He doesn't have to bring up the ball and his minutes are down..This will help his overall game...Aspects of JR's game seemed to have matured...He isn't rushing as much..He is taking a split second to survey the field before making a basketball decision...He seems fitter...He seems more dedicated..He seems committed to defense..He seems willing to play a more team oriented game...Brewer's game fits nicely into the overall scheme of how the Knicks play with the attention Melo is drawing... He is out fielding Landry Fileds..He can float to the basket and rebound...A sound defender...What I'm saying is that a team's game can improve immensely and necessarily not show up on the efficiency meter...I can go on with what I have noticed about Felton who isn't efficient at all but is key to our good play...It seems your view of the game has been narrowed to certain aspects that are important but only a piece of the criteria for success...