http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/29839/ten-takeaways-from-the-first-month

Ten takeaways from the first month
December, 3, 2012
DEC 3
5:30
PM ET
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com

The first month of the season is in the books, and the 12-4 Knicks are holding down the top spot in the Atlantic Division. ESPNNewYork.com takes a look at the top 10 things we've learned so far about the Knicks, starting with No. 10:

10. The Knicks scouted Pablo Prigioni and Chris Copeland wisely. Both players dominated internationally. Kevin Wilson, the Knicks' main overseas scout who is well-respected throughout the league, took notice. Progioni and Copeland immediately made an impression in the preseason with their playmaking. Now, with some injuries, they've been playing well in increased minutes.

9. Ronnie Brewer has filled in perfectly for Iman Shumpert. The Knicks not only needed a perimeter defender to replace the injured Shumpert, but also someone who could knock down the open shot off of Carmelo Anthony's penetration and double teams. Brewer currently has a 41.7 3-point percentage, while doing a little bit of everything else for the team.

8. J.R. Smith is focused. Recently, he admitted he partied too much last season. His mentality changed over the summer while working with his trainer, Idan Ravin, who told the shooting guard he never wanted to hear about his potential and so-called "wasted talent" ever again. Now Smith's consistency is more evident, and he's making smarter, quicker decisions.

7. Rasheed Wallace has been the biggest surprise. Make that in the entire league. After a two-year hiatus, he's playing like he never left. While his shooting percentages are below 40 percent, he has been making some clutch shots. But it's his defense that's been most effective, which is why Mike Woodson has been going with Sheed over Marcus Camby.

6. The Knicks recognize their roles, and the players and coaches are in agreement. When you look at the Wizards, for example, you might quickly say, "They stink." But it's much more than that. Every team has talent, but the right ingredients are players who know their job and feel good with how they're utilized. The veteran Knicks are on the same page.

5. Mike Woodson's blend of coaching and personality is contagious. How often do you see Woodson smile? That's because he takes things game to game. He's always keeping a realistic outlook with the media and his players, and they're the same way. But he also knows when to have some fun with the fellas. His old-school, tough-love demeanor is well-respected.

4. Amar'e Stoudemire hasn't even played yet. When Shumpert and Stoudemire are back, the Knicks will be the deepest team in the league. While critics focus more on whether STAT start or not, more importantly the team will have another legit scoring threat and his presence will create open shots for others. There's enough confidence in Woodson he'll make it work.

3. The two-point-guard backcourt in the starting lineup has come up huge. A fourth-best 102.9 points per game, and league-bests in turnovers per game (11.2) and average first-quarter scoring margin (plus-3.9). These are just a few of the numbers that prove why Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd's unique collaboration has greatly benefited the team.

2. Melo is playing like an MVP. While his offensive outputs are still mostly the same as previous seasons (26.6 points per game), he's improved his defense, hustle, 3-point shooting, focus, leadership and team-oriented attitude. And, of course, he's healthy. The NBA hasn't unveiled who the Player of the Month is yet, but don't be surprised if it's Melo.

1. The Knicks are for real. Most experts predicted the 9-8 Celtics to lead the Atlantic. But the Knicks are not only in front, they also only have one loss against a top team (the Grizzlies), and only one defeat to a team under. 500 (the Mavericks). They've beaten the Heat, Sixers twice, Spurs and Nets. They rematch the Heat on Thursday night in Miami. Get ready.

Great start to the season. Besides a few rough winnable road games, the Knicks finally have an early blueprint of success. I have faith in Woody integrating Amare this month and then Shumpert possibly next. Season's still young, and an injury or 2 can derail the overall outlook, but like Woodson and co do, take it game by game.

Beat the Bobcats.

Yikes Jared....we didn't beat the Nets. Agree with everything else.

MSG3 wrote:Yikes Jared....we didn't beat the Nets. Agree with everything else.

True i think he meant that we should have won which i agree with

Good summation of the teams' strengths. Grunwald figured that the the depth and experience of this squad was more important than their overall age, and so far so good. Yes, we have some of the oldest players in the league, but we also have players in their prime (an MVP candidate among them) and some just starting out who are either contributing or will contribute this season.

In a way Kidd being out for a few games was a good thing because it forced the Knicks to remember what Kidd brought to the table that helped make them so successful early on. Playing hard and playing smart on both ends of the floor. If for some reason, Kidd misses a game or two in the future, the initial drop off shouldn't be as steep.

4. Amar'e Stoudemire hasn't even played yet. When Shumpert and Stoudemire are back, the Knicks will be the deepest team in the league. While critics focus more on whether STAT start or not, more importantly the team will have another legit scoring threat and his presence will create open shots for others.

Then we can start threads about how we take and make too many mid-range jumpers.

I cannot wait for those two to come back.