Regardless of people's division about Melo -do we all agree that hero ball is less effective then getting the best shot (through movement, penetration, etc)? It just doesn't make sense that one person is more likely to make a higher percentage of shots when the defense knows who's shooting compared to the unknown (anybody can shoot)...
Melo - The problem is with decision-making and judgement. The shot last night wasn't a terrible choice - he had a height advantage and wasn't 24 feet from the basket... but, it's a low percentage shot compared to what he could get if we moved the ball or ran a play.
Woodson - I think most of us agree that he bears most of the responsibility with play calling and playing to our strengths. Could we not set up a better shot or do we always have to go with hero ball? I realize this is a Knicks things, as I remember Crawford always dribbling around before doing his patterned crossover and pull up. If you're L.James you can hold the ball - because the spacing is there and he's a great passer. Melo should't have the ball in his hands the whole time, as he's not a great decision maker or passer. (This is why many people liked Lin - even though he turned the ball over - he penetrated and kept the ball moving most of the time)
Felton - Understand he's hurt - but he looks terrible in this slow down offense - When he was in D'Antonio's system - he played to his strengths and was more effective at least.
Center - pick a plan and stick with it for a few games. Some nights we have KMart next to Bargs and other times we have Melo and Bargs - pick one lineup with some thought and improve it during practice. Understand any lineup we put out there has pros and cons - since we have mostly one-way players. It's like Prigs starts b/c Felton doesn't pass well enough for a PG, other times it's Shump starts b/c of other's defensive deficiencies. But he can't shoot so we need Bargs and Melo to compensate... etc... There's also no cohesion - I'd be fine with Cole, Bargs - but you can't keep switching it and expecting everyone to mesh if you change it 2 games later...
As fans we see that we need more movement, cutting, etc... Why did Woodson not continue D'Antonio's offensive style while incorportaing a tougher defensive approach - he did this during his first year (when he took over mid-season)? We are slow, predictable and ineffective all around. You watch league pass and see OKC, GS, Ind and all these other teams play with movement, spacing and energy. We look like the 50 and over league with one 39 year old star allowed to run with us... very sad.
To summarize, not only does Woodson's lack of play calling and leadership need to go - so does this offensive style regardless of who the next coach is... What I'm coming to is that it will take a Van Gundy/P.Jackson/Riley type of coach (with clout) to change Melo and the offensive and defensive philosophies needed to head in the right direction. Since these above coaches would never come here, who are lesser famous coaches that wouldn't be afraid to challenge Melo or JR, and instill some discipline and order in this sinking "buddy" group we have right now? I'd love a Skiles-type but maybe looking for a successful college or professional assistant coach that could possibly succeed in NY would work.
