misterearl wrote:As one of the Knicks four leaders in production, The Mayor is one step closer to that coveted goal this season.

What's that - getting traded for 'Melo?

It begs the question, how has that happened.

Its almost like someone started to emphasize defense and take more time out trying to get the players to extend effort...

fishmike wrote:

franco12 wrote:the most surprising thing is the increase in blocks per game- astronomical.

It begs the question, how has that happened.

Its almost like someone started to emphasize defense and take more time out trying to get the players to extend effort...

I think its obvious. Who were our guards last 3 years? The defense starts on the perimeter where Felton is one of the best in the NBA. Fields is also very good, Douglas is great also. Our guards now push their opponents into help or force them into layups or little jumpers as opposed to dunks which all you can do is get out of the way.

I agree about the improvement on the perimeter, but disagree in that my expectation would be that this would result in fewer blocks as there would be fewer opportunities.

I think the defensive improvement from Chandler and all the others is effort. And it may not even be coming from the coach- it might be Amare and Felton who as leaders, are showing guys how to go all out.

Vmart wrote:There is no way I trade Chandler in a Melo deal and be stuck with Gallo. Gallo isn't that good, I'm sure Denver sees this and probably would want Chandler over Gallo. But the fact that Chandler is a FA would probably scare Denver away. I'd do a deal right now Gallo/AR/Douglas and Curry for Melo.

Papabear Says

Thats a good deal. I would hate to see Gallo go but thats the way it is. I do think that Mello will be a rental for some team for the playoffs.

"In years past, Chandler struggled from beyond the arc. His 3-point-shooting percentage in his first three seasons was a subpar 30.7 percent, a mark that would encourage defenders like Williams to leave him open from that range. This season however, Chandler is making a commendable 37.1 percent of his 3s, enough to do considerable damage from the outside.

Eventually, the impact of Chandler’s shooting will come full circle. While his open 3-point attempts are currently a product of the added defensive focus on his teammates, Chandler will soon have a similar effect on the rest of the Knicks. Teams will not want to surrender open looks to Chandler if he continues to hit them consistently, which eases up the defensive coverage on Stoudemire et al.

Chandler still employs slashes and drives, but there is no question that his game has become more perimeter-oriented this season. According to Hoopdata.com, Chandler’s shot attempts at the rim are down from 5.0 per game to only 3.4, a development that would be a tad worrisome under most normal circumstances. However, the shake-up in Chandler’s shot chart has him shooting – and hitting – more 3-pointers than ever, while cutting down on his long, inefficient 2-point attempts. For some players, the arc represents a vice or a crutch, but for Chandler it signifies new life as a spot-up shooter."

- Rob Mahoney

“I am just being aggressive and confident in myself,” Chandler said. “I missed shots before, but I was just confident to shoot after that.”

Vmart wrote:There is no way I trade Chandler in a Melo deal and be stuck with Gallo. Gallo isn't that good, I'm sure Denver sees this and probably would want Chandler over Gallo. But the fact that Chandler is a FA would probably scare Denver away. I'd do a deal right now Gallo/AR/Douglas and Curry for Melo.

you see, I feel the other way.... chandler isn't that good...in this offense, things are made simple for him, shoot the open shot or drive when open... you notice they don't ever run PNR with chandler handling the ball, but will do so with gallo and fields.. chandler is not a skilled player.. not sure why many of you are making him out to be such.. he is playing well in this role.. but his role, guys like thadeus young could also play here just as well.. I tend to like more "natural" basketball talents, and I think gallo is just that... chandler has too much tunnel vision for me, once he puts the ball on the floor..