Good News From Our 6'8 Small Forward
The most telling stat of the recent stretch is Carmelo shooting fifty per cent. It is a positive indicator that he is learning the subtle adjustment of being more selective. The bonus is that in the process he appears more comfortable in his rhythm of taking (and making) the three point shot. That is NOT what he is known for, but wonders never cease. You cannot always predict the arc of an elite talent. Carmelo is an elite talent. He is as funky as he wants to be.
Hell, if I was that talented I would smile too.
As Carmelo is acutely aware of his surroundings he hears the crowd in New York, egged on by the over-the-top treatment from the home PA announcer. Anthony KNOWS there is no stage like one on Broadway. He is part athlete, part performer. He has a rare confidence to raise his game to the level of competition and expectation. Not many athletes have that ability and only one or two can do it consistently, night in and night out. You ever wonder why so many performers break under the pressure? It is humanly impossible to be "on" every day. Next time you are sitting at your desk at work daydreaming, ask yourself if you could be doing better. Then look over your shoulder to see if anyone is cheering.
The point being, the Knicks artwork is far from complete. Watching an artist like Carmelo in his studio is a rare treat. He will experiment and do things that may not make sense at first. He will purposely make mistakes as he tests his limits. That is what artists do. If he makes a thirty foot shot, he may attempt a 35 footer the next time down the floor. Heat check? Nope. It's a creative thing. Nine rebounds? Not bad. Imagine if he WANTED to grab 15, could he? Of course he could. There is a reason why Landry Fields' rebounding has dropped. Carmelo is beating him to the ball. Or it could be sheer coincidence. I don't care. Just win baby.
Winning the player of the week is cute. Winning a ring is better. Mr Anthony knows this.
Can four really beat five?