That's why he looks out of it mentally- it's difficult to be confident and aggressive when you're heartbroken.

As for the physical side of things- we had this discussion a few weeks ago- everyone said how his back must be an issue, how it was the extra weight, how he had lost a step, how it was Melo's presence, how he was in decline etc etc. Then he started getting his legs back, and he looked like he was back to the Amar'e of old. Then his brother died, and he had over a week off. Now he's back he needs to get his legs back again.

You realise he had 26 and 12 in the game before the Mavs? What's with all the short term memory?

Look, Amar'e is not going to look as good this season as he did last- his back recovery stopped him from working out over the summer- that led to weight gain, which he then converted into muscle. So the end result is he came into this season too heavy, rusty and out of shape. This weakened his confidence, and just as he was getting things together, his brother died.

smackeddog wrote:Why are people acting as though they don't realise that having your brother/ father figure die a week or two ago can effect you? Really?

That's why he looks out of it mentally- it's difficult to be confident and aggressive when you're heartbroken.

As for the physical side of things- we had this discussion a few weeks ago- everyone said how his back must be an issue, how it was the extra weight, how he had lost a step, how it was Melo's presence, how he was in decline etc etc. Then he started getting his legs back, and he looked like he was back to the Amar'e of old. Then his brother died, and he had over a week off. Now he's back he needs to get his legs back again.

You realise he had 26 and 12 in the game before the Mavs? What's with all the short term memory?

Look, Amar'e is not going to look as good this season as he did last- his back recovery stopped him from working out over the summer- that led to weight gain, which he then converted into muscle. So the end result is he came into this season too heavy, rusty and out of shape. This weakened his confidence, and just as he was getting things together, his brother died.

So everyone here is a doctor now? "It must be his back".

Amar'e recovered from injury during the offseason. Seemed like his legs weren't NBA ready yet at first. Just when he was starting to look like himself again, he lost a family member. And so he sucks and shouldn't play or should be traded? And his succes throughout his career, his big play for us last season be dammed?

Come on!

Its great that we have such a deep team that we don't need him to carry us. And its amazing that Lin is so solid, we now have 3 main options. But make no mistake: Amar'e is a really vital part of our championship aspirations. He deserves all the time he needs to get going like he can.

And at some point, he will do it.

smackeddog wrote:Why are people acting as though they don't realise that having your brother/ father figure die a week or two ago can effect you? Really?

That's why he looks out of it mentally- it's difficult to be confident and aggressive when you're heartbroken.

As for the physical side of things- we had this discussion a few weeks ago- everyone said how his back must be an issue, how it was the extra weight, how he had lost a step, how it was Melo's presence, how he was in decline etc etc. Then he started getting his legs back, and he looked like he was back to the Amar'e of old. Then his brother died, and he had over a week off. Now he's back he needs to get his legs back again.

You realise he had 26 and 12 in the game before the Mavs? What's with all the short term memory?

Look, Amar'e is not going to look as good this season as he did last- his back recovery stopped him from working out over the summer- that led to weight gain, which he then converted into muscle. So the end result is he came into this season too heavy, rusty and out of shape. This weakened his confidence, and just as he was getting things together, his brother died.

I think he's struggling to fine his role, He was the goto guy for most of his career and now he isn't..but yet, he's still in his prime, and that can take some adjusting to.

CashMoney wrote:He just threw up a 26 and 12 game and only took 10 shots against the Mavs and 11 against the Kings. I personally don't give a crap about stat lines, I care about getting the W. He's playing within the offense of the game and people are concerned that he's not beasting? If he was forcing up shots people would be screaming that he's not being a team player.

i've never seen him get rejected so many times.

HARDCOREKNICKSFAN wrote:IMO it's because Amar'e is still mourning his brother's death. As much as he's trying to get his head in the game, it's just not 100% there. It'll take some time, but he will eventually come around.

I really hope that's the case.

Physically he hasn't looked like himself all season. There have been multiple moments this season where Amare has gotten the ball in the paint and I'm expecting him to do what he does:

take two steps, explode up above the rim and bring the wrath on the rim and any player foolhardy enough to get in between him and the rim.

Only it's not there. I have no idea why.

It worries the hell out of me.

remove your biases and look at window of opportunity here. how long is Amare going to remain a productive offensive player? how long before his contract becomes untradeable? how many championships would we win with Lin, Melo and Howard regardless of whether or not JR re-signs?