NUPE wrote:So, what excuse is the anti-melo crowd spewing now!?!?

haters gonna Hate. Its what they do....you can't argue with a hater, just let them burn themselve out with the Hate. Hate like anger takes more effort and energy than Love and acceptance. :)

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

I have never said I wish MDA was still coaching this team. Also your right... Im not complaining our star player in year 3 decided to show up in shape and play for the head coach and that a serious effort and commitment to conditioning has made him a better player. Who knew?

What makes you think he's stepping up in year 3? He's been putting up these same numbers his whole career. The only thing that's new to him is being a legit MVP candidate because he now has real players around him. Something he never had before. Having Woodson coaching you obviously isn't hurting either.

But again, good to see you coming around.

And ok, this can sound a bit streched but Melo usually ends up boxing the opponent up, thus allowing others to get rebounds.
It's true though, and very visible he's not a PF, he's a SF.
At the PF position opponents are usually beasts and muscle him out in the post, so he does what he can to help the team, instead of always going for the rebound.
That comes with not being a PF or hops like Carter/Griffin/Smith
I actually believe he'd get more rebounds as a SF due to not having to box people out.

And his assists are really low for a guy that creates so many opportunities for his teammates.
I know he's not a LeBron in that department, but he really does make a lot of key passes, a lot of times guys end up missing the shot or drawing the foul though.

Again, I know it's a bit of a strech and I won't clutch at straws here, it's just something I thought I might add.

This team is for real, though the 80-90 game wait between the trade season and the lockout is still probably too long for a 60 win team since it's Melo.

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

I have never said I wish MDA was still coaching this team. Also your right... Im not complaining our star player in year 3 decided to show up in shape and play for the head coach and that a serious effort and commitment to conditioning has made him a better player. Who knew?

What makes you think he's stepping up in year 3? He's been putting up these same numbers his whole career. The only thing that's new to him is being a legit MVP candidate because he now has real players around him. Something he never had before. Having Woodson coaching you obviously isn't hurting either.

But again, good to see you coming around.

maybe the same numbers as before but much more efficiently due to his astronomical 3-pt%. he still takes too many shots (and a few bad ones)-- so as the season wears on and he doesn't have as much lift, that 3-pt% will go down and our team will struggle. the key is that, as he loses his 3-pt shooting, he find other ways to generate points, ie by drawing more fouls. notice that last game he put a great head and ball fake on a guy from the left side about 8 feet out. very pierce-like and i approve. this is the kind of adaptation that he will be needing to make to remain efficient.

dk7th wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

I have never said I wish MDA was still coaching this team. Also your right... Im not complaining our star player in year 3 decided to show up in shape and play for the head coach and that a serious effort and commitment to conditioning has made him a better player. Who knew?

What makes you think he's stepping up in year 3? He's been putting up these same numbers his whole career. The only thing that's new to him is being a legit MVP candidate because he now has real players around him. Something he never had before. Having Woodson coaching you obviously isn't hurting either.

But again, good to see you coming around.

maybe the same numbers as before but much more efficiently due to his astronomical 3-pt%. he still takes too many shots (and a few bad ones)-- so as the season wears on and he doesn't have as much lift, that 3-pt% will go down and our team will struggle. the key is that, as he loses his 3-pt shooting, he find other ways to generate points, ie by drawing more fouls. notice that last game he put a great head and ball fake on a guy from the left side about 8 feet out. very pierce-like and i approve. this is the kind of adaptation that he will be needing to make to remain efficient.

And last night wasn't really a good night to "scout" him on his ability to get to the free-throw line.
Due to his ankle he barely ever drove to basket, mostly stuck to outside shots.
Which in a way makes his 31 points on over 50% shooting even "better".

OGkush121 wrote:

dk7th wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

I have never said I wish MDA was still coaching this team. Also your right... Im not complaining our star player in year 3 decided to show up in shape and play for the head coach and that a serious effort and commitment to conditioning has made him a better player. Who knew?

What makes you think he's stepping up in year 3? He's been putting up these same numbers his whole career. The only thing that's new to him is being a legit MVP candidate because he now has real players around him. Something he never had before. Having Woodson coaching you obviously isn't hurting either.

But again, good to see you coming around.

maybe the same numbers as before but much more efficiently due to his astronomical 3-pt%. he still takes too many shots (and a few bad ones)-- so as the season wears on and he doesn't have as much lift, that 3-pt% will go down and our team will struggle. the key is that, as he loses his 3-pt shooting, he find other ways to generate points, ie by drawing more fouls. notice that last game he put a great head and ball fake on a guy from the left side about 8 feet out. very pierce-like and i approve. this is the kind of adaptation that he will be needing to make to remain efficient.

I know it's not to be expected that he'll keep shooting near 50% from downtown the entire season, but for all we know he may end up doing it.

And last night wasn't really a good night to "scout" him on his ability to get to the free-throw line.
Due to his ankle he barely ever drove to basket, mostly stuck to outside shots.
Which in a way makes his 31 points on over 50% shooting even "better".

if he does it, it will be a statistical anomaly for the ages.

as to the next point, he doesn't need to drive if he is hitting from the perimeter at the clip he has been hitting. it's when that 3-point shot starts to go south of 35%-- he is a career 33% from 3-- that he'll need to find a way to get to the line more times a game. the reason for that is that if you compare his 3FG% to harden and durant-- both of whom are ahead of him in FTA/GM-- he shoots at a lower rate, hence driving up the need to get to the line. good news is we finally saw him do what i was hoping he would do-- start incorporating some guile and cleverness to his game by using the head and ball fake. the more he does that the more staying power he will have.

yellowboy90 wrote:

dk7th wrote:

OGkush121 wrote:

dk7th wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

I have never said I wish MDA was still coaching this team. Also your right... Im not complaining our star player in year 3 decided to show up in shape and play for the head coach and that a serious effort and commitment to conditioning has made him a better player. Who knew?

What makes you think he's stepping up in year 3? He's been putting up these same numbers his whole career. The only thing that's new to him is being a legit MVP candidate because he now has real players around him. Something he never had before. Having Woodson coaching you obviously isn't hurting either.

But again, good to see you coming around.

maybe the same numbers as before but much more efficiently due to his astronomical 3-pt%. he still takes too many shots (and a few bad ones)-- so as the season wears on and he doesn't have as much lift, that 3-pt% will go down and our team will struggle. the key is that, as he loses his 3-pt shooting, he find other ways to generate points, ie by drawing more fouls. notice that last game he put a great head and ball fake on a guy from the left side about 8 feet out. very pierce-like and i approve. this is the kind of adaptation that he will be needing to make to remain efficient.

I know it's not to be expected that he'll keep shooting near 50% from downtown the entire season, but for all we know he may end up doing it.

And last night wasn't really a good night to "scout" him on his ability to get to the free-throw line.
Due to his ankle he barely ever drove to basket, mostly stuck to outside shots.
Which in a way makes his 31 points on over 50% shooting even "better".

if he does it, it will be a statistical anomaly for the ages.

as to the next point, he doesn't need to drive if he is hitting from the perimeter at the clip he has been hitting. it's when that 3-point shot starts to go south of 35%-- he is a career 33% from 3-- that he'll need to find a way to get to the line more times a game. the reason for that is that if you compare his 3FG% to harden and durant-- both of whom are ahead of him in FTA/GM-- he shoots at a lower rate, hence driving up the need to get to the line. good news is we finally saw him do what i was hoping he would do-- start incorporating some guile and cleverness to his game by using the head and ball fake. the more he does that the more staying power he will have.

You keep saying that his 3 pt % will go down but its not really about his career avg which is hurt by his first few years. Its about his attempts. Also, the fact that he is not taking pull up threes. Most f his 3s have been assisted. If you look at his numbers career wise in taking catch and shoot 3s or assisted 3s you would see his % is very high. Plus add on the fact that was a goal he worked on this summer and you get what you see. Like last year he worked on his PnR skills and he was one of the best PnR finishers in the league and still is.

no he's taking a lot of heat-check adrenaline pull-up threes on semi breaks. now, a career 40% 3 guy like nash can do that and get away with it but it is going to catch up with melo eventually.

guys on this site keep telling me to watch the games as though i don't watch the games. i watch the games and there are more than enough examples of those sorts of threes to keep an eye on.

i have the same issue with felton and his ability to orchestrate and get everyone involved. dudes claiming he hits brewer or whomever in the corner and whatnot. give me the time of the game when felton does this and i will be persuaded i don't know what i am talking about.

instead i get <crickets>

so if i have the time and wherewithal i will record the game and make note of when felton hits brewer or anyone in the corner in traffic and i will also make note how many times melo takes a pull up 3. against the bulls i don't think you will see melo doing that as much-- they get back on d-- but lets see how many times felton hits a guy in the corner in traffic.

yellowboy90 wrote:

dk7th wrote:

yellowboy90 wrote:

dk7th wrote:

OGkush121 wrote:

dk7th wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:

fishmike wrote:you boys still at this?

Melo playing MVP caliber ball right now. He's doing what your all star player is supposed to. Carry the load and lead the team when guys are banged up.

If the season ended today I would rank it something like:
1) CP3. Playing like Nash during his MVPs only + all NBA defense
1a) Durant. The record is MJ Bull's like and he's becoming a high caliber defensive player also. Shooting 52%, 1.5 blocks, 8.5 rebs and 28ppg. WOW.

Durant and CP3 easily the best players in the NBA right now

2) Lebron
2a) Melo

Even though I have MElo 4th I put 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a because thats how I percieve the race if there is one. Because of their success, #s, team records, impact on teammates... the whole package CP3 and KD heads above the class right now. Melo and Lebron are the next group. MVP caliber but outclassed by CP3 and KD playing out of their minds.

Now once Amare/Shump comes back Melo's shots will go down, he will beome (hopefully) more team type role and Knicks will be better for it. It will also eliminate any MVP talk which is fine and good. When Melo thinks hes MVP you see the circus shots and hero basketball and he can have his stretches but he cant sustain and it doesnt work. When Melo plays team ball (even if he's taking the most shots) Knicks play like the best team in the league. A more mature and better Melo doesnt not equal an MVP Melo.

First he was not even close to being a candidate.

Then it was "ok fine, he's in the fake race."

Now you have him in the same discussion with Durant, CP3, and Lebron.

Glad to see you're getting warmer.

just calling it like I see it. Nice he's in shape this year and willing to play for the coach right?

Im just giving him his due as hes playing great. Bottom line? He's not a realistic candidate. That hasnt changed one bit. He's in the discussion like Ron Paul is in the presidential discussion. Melo is like 3-4 player having torn ACLs away from a real chance. But if you want to be happy about about a great first 6 weeks here and call him MVP feel free. Knicks are playing great ball to start. Since realism with such things causes hurt feelings I have bowed out of the discussion. But thanks ;)

Yes, getting in shape and playing for Woodson is the best decision Carmelo has ever made, because it has yielded a 19-6 record along with being in the MVP discussion. Haven't heard you complain at all about that have we now? Nor have we heard you say you wish Mike D'antoni was still coaching this team.

So yea, he's willing to play for this coach, he has every reason to.

I have never said I wish MDA was still coaching this team. Also your right... Im not complaining our star player in year 3 decided to show up in shape and play for the head coach and that a serious effort and commitment to conditioning has made him a better player. Who knew?

What makes you think he's stepping up in year 3? He's been putting up these same numbers his whole career. The only thing that's new to him is being a legit MVP candidate because he now has real players around him. Something he never had before. Having Woodson coaching you obviously isn't hurting either.

But again, good to see you coming around.

maybe the same numbers as before but much more efficiently due to his astronomical 3-pt%. he still takes too many shots (and a few bad ones)-- so as the season wears on and he doesn't have as much lift, that 3-pt% will go down and our team will struggle. the key is that, as he loses his 3-pt shooting, he find other ways to generate points, ie by drawing more fouls. notice that last game he put a great head and ball fake on a guy from the left side about 8 feet out. very pierce-like and i approve. this is the kind of adaptation that he will be needing to make to remain efficient.

I know it's not to be expected that he'll keep shooting near 50% from downtown the entire season, but for all we know he may end up doing it.

And last night wasn't really a good night to "scout" him on his ability to get to the free-throw line.
Due to his ankle he barely ever drove to basket, mostly stuck to outside shots.
Which in a way makes his 31 points on over 50% shooting even "better".

if he does it, it will be a statistical anomaly for the ages.

as to the next point, he doesn't need to drive if he is hitting from the perimeter at the clip he has been hitting. it's when that 3-point shot starts to go south of 35%-- he is a career 33% from 3-- that he'll need to find a way to get to the line more times a game. the reason for that is that if you compare his 3FG% to harden and durant-- both of whom are ahead of him in FTA/GM-- he shoots at a lower rate, hence driving up the need to get to the line. good news is we finally saw him do what i was hoping he would do-- start incorporating some guile and cleverness to his game by using the head and ball fake. the more he does that the more staying power he will have.

You keep saying that his 3 pt % will go down but its not really about his career avg which is hurt by his first few years. Its about his attempts. Also, the fact that he is not taking pull up threes. Most f his 3s have been assisted. If you look at his numbers career wise in taking catch and shoot 3s or assisted 3s you would see his % is very high. Plus add on the fact that was a goal he worked on this summer and you get what you see. Like last year he worked on his PnR skills and he was one of the best PnR finishers in the league and still is.

no he's taking a lot of heat-check adrenaline pull-up threes on semi breaks. now, a career 40% 3 guy like nash can do that and get away with it but it is going to catch up with melo eventually.

guys on this site keep telling me to watch the games as though i don't watch the games. i watch the games and there are more than enough examples of those sorts of threes to keep an eye on.

i have the same issue with felton and his ability to orchestrate and get everyone involved. dudes claiming he hits brewer or whomever in the corner and whatnot. give me the time of the game when felton does this and i will be persuaded i don't know what i am talking about.

instead i get <crickets>

so if i have the time and wherewithal i will record the game and make note of when felton hits brewer or anyone in the corner in traffic and i will also make note how many times melo takes a pull up 3. against the bulls i don't think you will see melo doing that as much-- they get back on d-- but lets see how many times felton hits a guy in the corner in traffic.

If you want I could give you a site that you can download the games. Or you can get a synergy account(I don't have one) which tracks a lot of things.

thanks for the offer but i do record the games and get around to watch them if i can't watch them when broadcast. ironically, i am a big advocate of the eye test and only use stats after the fact to corroborate my impressions.

funny how different philosophies can skew the action but then what would there be to argue about?