BRIGGS wrote:

martin wrote:

http://twitter.com/alanhahn/status/36213090911518720

Either Anthony Randolph saw what Dan D'Antoni did for Mozgov and got religion or he's preparing to play after trade deadline. Working hard.

he looked more explosive last night--that is what i saw.

same. And he wasn't wearing knee brace for the first time all year (not that we have had much chance to see this).

Perhaps AR has been hurt all year and no one told us?

For as much as I have argued that I didn't like his play in the early parts of the season, I still would love to keep this kid and have him mature in the right way for the Knicks.

I know it's hypothetical but I am curious.

Personally I think a guy like Melo is worth it because of his instinct and the fact that he was a winner in college. While AR could be promising I don't think you can pass on a guy like Melo if you can get him without gutting your team.

crzymdups wrote:I really wish AR had gotten more of a chance here, but it seems like he hasn't put in the work and gotten over his attitude issues. Really feels like a missed opportunity.

You talk as if he's gone already, I really don't think Walsh is going to trade him unless it's part of a melo deal...I still don't think melo will be a knick this season...

The more I think about it, the more I believe walsh is to reluctant to make a deal that would give up too much. He was still questioning his moves months after the Mcgrady deal and to this day, thinks he gave up too much(arguable so). I Don't think he wants to make the same mistake, and this is one case where it's he he either he does or doesn't. Denver is not going to give fair a deal on any front, so i really belive AR still may has a chance to redeem himself.

Biggamer3 wrote:Hahn is far and away the best Beat Writer. He is witty and always brings the goods

Add to the fact that even though he's under the Cablevision umbrella (not his choice) - he comes off like a genuine fan that wants to team to succeed and doesn't have an ax to grind.

OasisBU wrote:Let's say for arguments sake that AR has been injured or just took a while to mature (understandable) - if he could turn into a real player for us would you rather keep him along with Gallo and Chandler or go for someone like Melo?

I know it's hypothetical but I am curious.

Personally I think a guy like Melo is worth it because of his instinct and the fact that he was a winner in college. While AR could be promising I don't think you can pass on a guy like Melo if you can get him without gutting your team.

I agree about keeping AR as an impact player - but as far as Melo goes

Both Chandler and Gallo have been affected by the rumors, and put up lousy games.

Melo who is at the heart of the story, has been putting up huge games.

Clearly there is a difference in their respective point of views- but I think Melo has shown he can play at a high level during a pressure, distraction filled environment.

And that, I think, is the difference between a great player, and a good role player.

knicks1248 wrote:

crzymdups wrote:I really wish AR had gotten more of a chance here, but it seems like he hasn't put in the work and gotten over his attitude issues. Really feels like a missed opportunity.

You talk as if he's gone already, I really don't think Walsh is going to trade him unless it's part of a melo deal...I still don't think melo will be a knick this season...

The more I think about it, the more I believe walsh is to reluctant to make a deal that would give up too much. He was still questioning his moves months after the Mcgrady deal and to this day, thinks he gave up too much(arguable so). I Don't think he wants to make the same mistake, and this is one case where it's he he either he does or doesn't. Denver is not going to give fair a deal on any front, so i really belive AR still may has a chance to redeem himself.

I think AR is gone no matter what. He won't be here to start next season. I'd love to be wrong, but I don't see him ever getting a real chance here.

fishmike wrote:

franco12 wrote:

OasisBU wrote:Let's say for arguments sake that AR has been injured or just took a while to mature (understandable) - if he could turn into a real player for us would you rather keep him along with Gallo and Chandler or go for someone like Melo?

I know it's hypothetical but I am curious.

Personally I think a guy like Melo is worth it because of his instinct and the fact that he was a winner in college. While AR could be promising I don't think you can pass on a guy like Melo if you can get him without gutting your team.

I agree about keeping AR as an impact player - but as far as Melo goes

Both Chandler and Gallo have been affected by the rumors, and put up lousy games.

Melo who is at the heart of the story, has been putting up huge games.

Clearly there is a difference in their respective point of views- but I think Melo has shown he can play at a high level during a pressure, distraction filled environment.

And that, I think, is the difference between a great player, and a good role player.

I disagree man... there is a huge difference. Melo can relax. He's in the drivers seat. At the end of the day he's going to play where he wants to play. All the available options are there for him to take. For Gallo, Chandler, Fields its a different story. They are the age of college grads at 22/23. They love this city. They like being Knicks, playing for this town and this city and this coach. The possibility of being traded is a mental strain, and I dont think for one minute they arent tough players because this is affecting them. Their lives are about to be changed (maybe) and they have no say or control. Damned if you play great, damned if you dont. You can talk about being an NBA all you want but if one of those guys gets traded its really going to both them. Anyone that doesnt get it needs to unplug from the internet and realize despite the great basketball skills these are regular young men under a massive stress right now. Moving to a new city, new support network, new teams, coaches, its tough.

I agree with you about the difference- but I'd Melo isn't quite in the drivers seat and able to relax. Yes, he can look forward to perhaps playing with the Knicks next year, and trying to get traded there this year.

But, this isn't a violin here- but Melo is essentially a villain at home - haven't they booed him?- at war with his front office and ownership, and faced with the possibility of opting out heading into a lockout where anything might happen and he might get screwed.

I don't discount the stress that Chandler, Gallo et al are under - they obviously like NY- which makes me want to keep them & not trade them.

I'd just argue that Melo is under stress too, and he has raised his game.