Look, the guy is a polarizing player and his performance this season has been underwhelming to say the least. We’ve talked several times on how the system should be altered and structured to tailor Melo’s skill set. Let’s not forget that he’s a very, very gifted scorer who forces attention defensively. Let’s not forget his performances in Indiana and Memphis last year. His ability to make players better is well documented.

The truth is the Knicks have seen a star player butt heads with a coaching system and style in the past. Patrick Ewing hated Don Nelson and Nellie-ball. That system was very similar to Mike D’Antoni’s energy and sharing style. Nelson learned from the best playing for Red’s Celtics. Nellie thought it made the most sense for the Knicks to feature Anthony Mason instead of Ewing. He lasted in NY all of a half a season.

Why? Because Ewing wouldn’t change. He was the franchise. Right or wrong that was the case. In steps hand selected Jeff Van Gundy and the big fella got fed again. Mason would be shipped out in the off season.

But back to Melo. The guy is the franchise. The offense should run through him in spots as well as share continuity. The offense with Billups wasn’t overly dynamic, but it had it’s moments of efficiency. Billups knew where to get Melo the ball and get him in a rhythm. He did that well enough to get Denver to the West Finals.

People want to be critical of Melo and call him selfish and when you look at this it’s clear they are right. But being selfish is the lead quality in being a great scorer in this league. This is a big strike against him as it relates to his ability to adjust and become a complete player, but it’s not a death sentence for me. He’s not Marbury. Not yet.

The system and style has worked without him. No one can dispute that and his poor play, along with Stoudemire’s, has put this team in a critical state. The Nuggets got better in the regular season and struggled in the playoffs… the real season.

Right now with the way things are going, the Knicks may miss out, then a new coaching era is soon to begin. Phil Jackson, Nate McMillan, Mo Cheeks…etc,etc,etc.

We’ve reached the critical point in the Knicks season. These next few weeks will be very telling.

-----------------------------------------------------------

I will first say i believe the issues we are having is primarily the fault of Melo and Stoudemire. That being said, Melo is proven and adjustments need to be made. People need to stop living based on that 10-game span. Any team can have a strong 10 games. This team will be successful in a season based on the best player. You don't just trade him. You make adjustments like with Ewing back in the day. Lin will eventually learn how to get Melo the ball in his spots. Melo will learn how to fill the gaps where he can take advantage of Lin's unique skillset. I think it is easy to panick like many people here, but it doesn't solve anything. The success Denver had over the past few years was built around Melo, a strong PG like Billups or Miller, and interior defense with Martin/Nene/Camby. We have these pieces in place, just need to balance it out and figure out the right system. Harrellson's ability to spread the floor and play tough defense makes him very solid at PF. I think we should try to look into what the best SG we can get for Stoudemire and go from there. Like it or now, this team is Melo's, so best thing to do is either remain a Knick fan and figure out how this thing can work, or just give up all together.

Melo can have really good games like you mentioned. Thats not what we are talking about. Its about Wins and adapting for the team. He is a very good rebounder and passer. Its a question of fitting in.

Nothing wrong with a star player taking over a game at critial moments. Dirk, Kobe, Wade and Lebron do it all the time. Jordan was the king. They all are winners and know "Most of the time" when to keep the ball and when to move it. Melo seems to lack this.

It looks bad when he misses a shot at games end and is smiling. Im sure its more a nervous reaction but he never looks upset.

Knixkik wrote:Not a popular stance, perhaps, as there is a lot of chatter surrounding the Knicks franchise forward from fans and the media alike.

Look, the guy is a polarizing player and his performance this season has been underwhelming to say the least. We’ve talked several times on how the system should be altered and structured to tailor Melo’s skill set. Let’s not forget that he’s a very, very gifted scorer who forces attention defensively. Let’s not forget his performances in Indiana and Memphis last year. His ability to make players better is well documented.

The truth is the Knicks have seen a star player butt heads with a coaching system and style in the past. Patrick Ewing hated Don Nelson and Nellie-ball. That system was very similar to Mike D’Antoni’s energy and sharing style. Nelson learned from the best playing for Red’s Celtics. Nellie thought it made the most sense for the Knicks to feature Anthony Mason instead of Ewing. He lasted in NY all of a half a season.

Why? Because Ewing wouldn’t change. He was the franchise. Right or wrong that was the case. In steps hand selected Jeff Van Gundy and the big fella got fed again. Mason would be shipped out in the off season.

But back to Melo. The guy is the franchise. The offense should run through him in spots as well as share continuity. The offense with Billups wasn’t overly dynamic, but it had it’s moments of efficiency. Billups knew where to get Melo the ball and get him in a rhythm. He did that well enough to get Denver to the West Finals.

People want to be critical of Melo and call him selfish and when you look at this it’s clear they are right. But being selfish is the lead quality in being a great scorer in this league. This is a big strike against him as it relates to his ability to adjust and become a complete player, but it’s not a death sentence for me. He’s not Marbury. Not yet.

The system and style has worked without him. No one can dispute that and his poor play, along with Stoudemire’s, has put this team in a critical state. The Nuggets got better in the regular season and struggled in the playoffs… the real season.

Right now with the way things are going, the Knicks may miss out, then a new coaching era is soon to begin. Phil Jackson, Nate McMillan, Mo Cheeks…etc,etc,etc.

We’ve reached the critical point in the Knicks season. These next few weeks will be very telling.

-----------------------------------------------------------

I will first say i believe the issues we are having is primarily the fault of Melo and Stoudemire. That being said, Melo is proven and adjustments need to be made. People need to stop living based on that 10-game span. Any team can have a strong 10 games. This team will be successful in a season based on the best player. You don't just trade him. You make adjustments like with Ewing back in the day. Lin will eventually learn how to get Melo the ball in his spots. Melo will learn how to fill the gaps where he can take advantage of Lin's unique skillset. I think it is easy to panick like many people here, but it doesn't solve anything. The success Denver had over the past few years was built around Melo, a strong PG like Billups or Miller, and interior defense with Martin/Nene/Camby. We have these pieces in place, just need to balance it out and figure out the right system. Harrellson's ability to spread the floor and play tough defense makes him very solid at PF. I think we should try to look into what the best SG we can get for Stoudemire and go from there. Like it or now, this team is Melo's, so best thing to do is either remain a Knick fan and figure out how this thing can work, or just give up all together.

Ewing was in a contract year and if not featured was making noise to go free agent.

Mason as point forward like Pippen was.

In hindsight, we should have let Ewing walk or traded him right then.

KnicksFE wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

JCrusher wrote:well you are a melo fan so of course you are gonna say he isn't at fault lol. Also you talk about that little streak being lucky or whatever buts it was the best basketball we have seen from this team in like a year

Clearly i started off by saying it is primarily his fault. I'm not a Melo fan, i am a Knicks fan who believes in process. I think sometimes you take 1 step back to eventually take 2 forward. I am looking at Melo's career as a whole and believe you can win a championship with him as your best player. It depends on fitting the right players and the right coach. I believe Chandler and Lin are 2 of the right players, as well as Novak, Shumpert, and Harrellson. I think there are factors that weigh heavily in this process, and because of that Melo's weaknesses are being exposed.

I believe Melo is a keeper; however we need to be careful how we surround him because his lack of defense and intangible is alarming.

You surround him with defense and shooting. Lin is there as the primary ball handler. Chander is the defensive leader. Your PF and SG need to be either strong defenders/shooters or both. That's how you surround him with the right pieces.

Knixkik wrote:

KnicksFE wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

JCrusher wrote:well you are a melo fan so of course you are gonna say he isn't at fault lol. Also you talk about that little streak being lucky or whatever buts it was the best basketball we have seen from this team in like a year

Clearly i started off by saying it is primarily his fault. I'm not a Melo fan, i am a Knicks fan who believes in process. I think sometimes you take 1 step back to eventually take 2 forward. I am looking at Melo's career as a whole and believe you can win a championship with him as your best player. It depends on fitting the right players and the right coach. I believe Chandler and Lin are 2 of the right players, as well as Novak, Shumpert, and Harrellson. I think there are factors that weigh heavily in this process, and because of that Melo's weaknesses are being exposed.

I believe Melo is a keeper; however we need to be careful how we surround him because his lack of defense and intangible is alarming.

You surround him with defense and shooting. Lin is there as the primary ball handler. Chander is the defensive leader. Your PF and SG need to be either strong defenders/shooters or both. That's how you surround him with the right pieces.

Agree, however players with those qualities specially together are not easy to get. What about my boy Wilson Chandler? I think he is a good shooter and strong defender.