smackeddog wrote:newyorknewyork wrote:Carmelo before the season was asked about expectations or something like that and replied "we have what we have". So unless Carmelo is better at roster evaluating then Phil, i'm sure Phil had an idea it would be rough though probably not this bad.
Thats what all the back and forth was with Melo re-signing here- he knew we were in for a bad first year (maybe not as bad, but still)- everyone knew we were in for a non-contending first year- the media, the fans, the writers. Now they are winging because they would rather we were a 30 odd win team, than a bottom dweller with a high pick.
Now people won't even give Phil 1 offseason where he has actually has a draft pick and money (literally, they are judging him before he's had a single offseason where he can make actual moves), and Fisher 20 games into his career with a **** roster. You can't make this stuff up. Its that Knick fan mentality that led to the IT years- they won't accept rebuilding. Now you have the hilarious hypocrisy whereby they simultaneously complain about Melo being re-signed, wishing he had been dealt for a complete rebuild, while at the same time wailing about us sucking so badly.
You're pretty much wrong. I think almost everyone will give Phil until sometime next season to show what he can put together via different avenues to revamp the roster.
Even the most cynical takes on the situation have shown there is still a possibility good things could happen if a lot of factors tip in the Knicks favor.
The OP is right. Jackson and Fish are not morons. They see the writing on the wall. Not fast enough for my taste based on Melo returning after two games, but now it is clear they are going to get the best draft position possible.
So there is a window for Phil and Fish to prove themselves and I think most people can see that and wait. For now, there will remain some who think they can critically analyze Fish's coaching skills when all you can judge him on right now is his efficiency as a tank commander. They will remain in the dark then and keep bitching about Fish.
Phil will be likely gone after two seasons if everything goes up in flames next season. For now he has the window, so it is surely worth seeing what they can put together.
And Melo may be out of here. Melo is not a Phil Jackson player IMO and Phil has to realize this now. Unlike the OP, I think while Melo knew this would be a tougher year, I don't think he has a thick skin and will want out of NYC soon. He is not cut out for this.
We'll see, but they may rebuild faster without him if they get a deal for components (players and/or picks) that assist a rebuild. Without Melo and some good moving parts, Phil would have a pretty broad, relatively clean slate to work with.
Dec. 15th is almost here. Something is bound to happen soon.
