Posted by nyk4ever:
Posted by holfresh:
Posted by fishmike:
Posted by holfresh:
The Knicks' problem is that they cannot make defensive stops..Being able to make defensive stops could have won another 5 games by conservative estimates..Making big stops is what matters in the playoffs if we were to get there...The Knicks need a defensive presence up front badly...
which is why Eddy is such a problem despite all his scoring. You can live with a below average defense, but you have to control the glass. You cant give up easy shots AND 2nd chance points. If Eddy would just attack the glass he really could be a franchise guy. There's no excuse for a guy with his size and athletic skills to NOT average 11-12 per 35-38 minutes.
Fish if you really want to be honest...Eddy, Lee and Frye is our problem...They have not been trying to stop anyone...You cannot live with below average defense when all three of the guys at center and PF all play below average...You are confusing controlling the boards with defense...Good rebounding is important but as a power forward and a center you also have to control the lanes and defend easy interior baskets...It's a huge problem with our front line...
The onus is on Eddy because he's making 10million bucks, which is a significant part of our cap situation. Eddy needs to play a game that resembles that of a 10million dollar a year contract player. This is also his 6th year in the league, it's about time he starts putting some effort into defense, instead of just offense.
Onto Rashard... I don't agree with this notion that Rashard doesn't play defense AT ALL, he's an average defensive player, nothing more, nothing less. If this team put Rashard on the wing with Eddy downlow, it would extend the defense from the SF position, a more natural fit than Frye trying to stretch the floor from the PF spot. Rashard is also a dead-on shooter who can put up big numbers within a blink of the eye. He can shoot, he's got a good midrange game, he's got a good 3pt game and he can put the ball on the floor. This team needs a player like Rashard in the worse way.
Eddy doesn't make 10 mil per year...It's more like 8 per which is a bargain for what he brings in todays NBA...Eddy is not the reason the cap is what it is...If a player get major minutes then he should be expected to do certain things for you, thats how it works...It's not based on salary...If you are a center you should be able to grab some rebounds and block a few shot and deter penetrators, score..If you are a PF you should rebound, block a few shots, play a little interior defense, help control paint, be able to score on you own although not that important...Unfortunately the Knicks have players that only excel in one area, far too many...Blaming Eddy is just a cop out... Eddy can help and maybe we can expect more because he is the most gifted front line player we have...But blaming Eddy is a cop out because we are ignoring the deficiencies of the entire front line...
Now on the Rashard...The Knicks does not need scoring, they need defense...The Knicks are usually in games and can score so thats not the problem...You can't really tell what type of defender a player is unless he plays for your team...You have to see his games night in and night out...I'm not saying Rashard is not a good defender, his numbers defensively doesn't show it..We need a player to help control the paint and defend in the post...I haven't seen much of Rashard but I doubt he is that...
The Knicks would be wise to trade for players that would help in places of need..I wouldn't trade key pieces for add ons when it won't take us to the next level...Rashard helps with three point shooting, these type of players can be had at much cheaper rates...
[Edited by - holfresh on 02-18-2007 12:28 PM]
2/18/2007 9:16 AM
