I just wanna see this team get a bit more healthy by the playoffs. If we get some guys back that's only gonna make this team even tougher to beat.

OasisBU wrote:The only think that concerns me is the scoring depth. While Melo and JR are hot it's great. The problem is come playoff time the focus might shift to try and take them out of the game. Since they are a duo now that will be tough but we need guys to step up if it does happen or if they just have an off night.

Stats offense is missed but honestly I think the team may be better without him. I love Stat but he doesn't seem to be what this team needs. If he does come back I hope he can contribute and not disrupt the flow. We will need bodies if we want to make a run to the ECF and beyond so I think he has a role if he can get healthy. Sheed too. We need the depth.

Oasis - Stat is not remotely close to a return. Nor is his offense missed.

The offense is not an issue. our defense is what sets the tone. Amare, on fragile knees, is of no help on defense.

The idea is to get Kenyon Martin back in the mix.

Kurt Thomas is our warrior king. No layups.

misterearl wrote:Defense

OasisBU wrote:The only think that concerns me is the scoring depth. While Melo and JR are hot it's great. The problem is come playoff time the focus might shift to try and take them out of the game. Since they are a duo now that will be tough but we need guys to step up if it does happen or if they just have an off night.

Stats offense is missed but honestly I think the team may be better without him. I love Stat but he doesn't seem to be what this team needs. If he does come back I hope he can contribute and not disrupt the flow. We will need bodies if we want to make a run to the ECF and beyond so I think he has a role if he can get healthy. Sheed too. We need the depth.

Oasis - Stat is not remotely close to a return. Nor is his offense missed.

The offense is not an issue. our defense is what sets the tone. Amare, on fragile knees, is of no help on defense.

The idea is to get Kenyon Martin back in the mix.

Kurt Thomas is our warrior king. No layups.

I'd say Amar'e is missed- low post players are few and far between, and he would have been useful during that 1st half scoring drought in the Bucks game. I know everyone says "defense wins championships", but the fact is it's defense AND offense- if teams shut down JR in the playoffs, we're in trouble if Melo is the only consistent scorer.

I would love to have seen a front court of Sheed and K-Mart- shame we probably won't (I still live in hope!).

OasisBU wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

misterearl wrote:Defense

OasisBU wrote:The only think that concerns me is the scoring depth. While Melo and JR are hot it's great. The problem is come playoff time the focus might shift to try and take them out of the game. Since they are a duo now that will be tough but we need guys to step up if it does happen or if they just have an off night.

Stats offense is missed but honestly I think the team may be better without him. I love Stat but he doesn't seem to be what this team needs. If he does come back I hope he can contribute and not disrupt the flow. We will need bodies if we want to make a run to the ECF and beyond so I think he has a role if he can get healthy. Sheed too. We need the depth.

Oasis - Stat is not remotely close to a return. Nor is his offense missed.

The offense is not an issue. our defense is what sets the tone. Amare, on fragile knees, is of no help on defense.

The idea is to get Kenyon Martin back in the mix.

Kurt Thomas is our warrior king. No layups.

I'd say Amar'e is missed- low post players are few and far between, and he would have been useful during that 1st half scoring drought in the Bucks game. I know everyone says "defense wins championships", but the fact is it's defense AND offense- if teams shut down JR in the playoffs, we're in trouble if Melo is the only consistent scorer.

I would love to have seen a front court of Sheed and K-Mart- shame we probably won't (I still live in hope!).

It does seem like we go on winning streaks when Stat is out though - that is one of the reasons I am a little skeptical about what he can add to the team. He is a great player but hasn't found his role here. I think coming off the bench he was beginning to find it - maybe on the 2nd unit with Kidd is where it will work?

I would hate to see him come back and upset the balance late in the playoffs though. Plus as misterearl pointed out he isn't exactly close to returning.

Anyone know the status on Sheeds recovery?

Doubt Amar'e will upset the balance if he does return in the playoffs- Woody has already said he'll only play him 10 to 12 minutes per game in order to minimize any disruption. We can win in the regular season without him- as you said we've been on winning streaks before, but in the playoffs you really need a post player.

Last I read about Sheed was a day or two ago and some writer (forget which) said he was looking well and was walking around without boot or crutches. The writer said that now the Knicks would start to ween him off them. They said theoretically he is on schedule and could return in time for the second round in 4 weeks time.

nixluva wrote:Gotta give credit where it's due. I was not happy with the team or Woody for a while there, but they really sucked it up and fought back. This team is playing together and doing what winning teams do. They're giving max effort on D and playing smarter on offense. You can't argue with success and this isn't fools gold. They're not doing this with a style that can't be done consistently. Save for the hot shooting of Melo, but even that is partly due to his taking smarter shots. This team is doing the right things. Solid defense with good rotations and help. Smart offense with ball and player movement and smart ISO plays going toward the basket.

I just wanna see this team get a bit more healthy by the playoffs. If we get some guys back that's only gonna make this team even tougher to beat.