Other notes, Lopez is bringing what was hoped and may be better than expected on O, his footwork on some spin moves and hooks were very nice. Nice spacing on O. Grant 5-6 was encouraging but hitting others off penetration and full court passes was more impressive. Fisher deserves credit for leaving him in, hopefully this is the start of a string of solid performance

Smart may be a competitor but also may be the punk that some felt. Thought he'd be better, looking more like his upside is Tony Allen which aint bad

Stepped up big time yesterday, and he seemed to play with some fire.

Assume that the term "microwave" was mentioned to bring Vinny Johnson to mind...or is this a common term I'm just ignorant of?

Smart look softer/heavier physically than I remember from last year...am I seeing things, or is this true.
Refs let him get away with the rough stuff on KP...down the road that type of stuff done on Porzingis will get an immediate whistle. Maybe the refs are putting KP through an initiation, too.

WaltLongmire wrote:He's shown that he's willing to take the big shot when it's needed.

Stepped up big time yesterday, and he seemed to play with some fire.

Assume that the term "microwave" was mentioned to bring Vinny Johnson to mind...or is this a common term I'm just ignorant of?

Smart look softer/heavier physically than I remember from last year...am I seeing things, or is this true.
Refs let him get away with the rough stuff on KP...down the road that type of stuff done on Porzingis will get an immediate whistle. Maybe the refs are putting KP through an initiation, too.

I can't wait til next year when the Knicks have a better SG and AA/DWill/Lance can come off the bench and play the role of microwave.

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

Knickoftime wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

Turning a corner and establishing a new culture are a real, tangible things.

Now's not the time to worry about minutes. Now is the time to worry about wins and creating confidence.

Great to be confident, but availablity is the most important ability. Not worrying about minutes has gotten us into trouble many times over the years. Not a serious concern right now, but enough for me to want to see AA's minutes watched.

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

Season	TEAM	AGE	GP	GS	MIN	FGA
2010-11 DEN	25	69	69	33.7	9.1
2011-12 DEN	26	62	62	33.6	11.3
2012-13 ORL	27	64	64	36.0	14.1
2013-14 ORL	28	73	73	35.0	13.8
2014-15 DEN	29	53	53	33.0    12.4
2015-16 NYK	30	32	32	32.3    11.9

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

Well the roughest thing AA does is when he posts and takes his fade away jumpers a la MJ or Kobe. I suspect the big danger is jumpers knee doing that move over and over. However, i'm not sure if a guy averaging 12 shots a game is gonna wear himself out as you suggest. He's averaging less minutes and shots than he did when he was the Primary Scorer.

Season	TEAM	AGE	GP	GS	MIN	FGA
2010-11 DEN	25	69	69	33.7	9.1
2011-12 DEN	26	62	62	33.6	11.3
2012-13 ORL	27	64	64	36.0	14.1
2013-14 ORL	28	73	73	35.0	13.8
2014-15 DEN	29	53	53	33.0    12.4
2015-16 NYK	30	32	32	32.3    11.9

He's still 30, also goes very strong to the rim, very active. AA would be going up against the best SGs in the league in a seven game series, not as easy at 30. Still half a season to go, the sooner Galloway can get out of his shooting slump, the better.

I also hope Gallo can get going and take some more minutes or perhaps Phil will look for another SG to help out. I've been concerned with the fact that AA is the only true SG we have. That's not a good thing. So i'm not totally disagreeing with you about the issue we have with AA going down and not having a credible back up.

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

Well the roughest thing AA does is when he posts and takes his fade away jumpers a la MJ or Kobe. I suspect the big danger is jumpers knee doing that move over and over. However, i'm not sure if a guy averaging 12 shots a game is gonna wear himself out as you suggest. He's averaging less minutes and shots than he did when he was the Primary Scorer.

Season	TEAM	AGE	GP	GS	MIN	FGA
2010-11 DEN	25	69	69	33.7	9.1
2011-12 DEN	26	62	62	33.6	11.3
2012-13 ORL	27	64	64	36.0	14.1
2013-14 ORL	28	73	73	35.0	13.8
2014-15 DEN	29	53	53	33.0    12.4
2015-16 NYK	30	32	32	32.3    11.9

He's still 30, also goes very strong to the rim, very active. AA would be going up against the best SGs in the league in a seven game series, not as easy at 30. Still half a season to go, the sooner Galloway can get out of his shooting slump, the better.

30 is still prime. You're talking like he's ready for a rocking chair. LOTS of good NBA players have played great past their 30th birthday. I'm not saying he can't get hurt or wear down, but it's not really something that happens all the time to guys who just turned 30. Heck AA hasn't even played all 40 games. He's played 32 games so far and tho he has been playing a LOT of minutes in January there will likely be a time when his minutes will go back down. It's the ups and downs of an NBA season.

I also hope Gallo can get going and take some more minutes or perhaps Phil will look for another SG to help out. I've been concerned with the fact that AA is the only true SG we have. That's not a good thing. So i'm not totally disagreeing with you about the issue we have with AA going down and not having a credible back up.

30 is the age when some guards start breaking down, become more injury prone, been that way for a long time. If AA was more of a spot up shooter, didn't put his body on the line as much, it wouldnt be an issue to me. He missed those games because of a hamstring injury, just want to make sure things like that dont crop up late in the season.

Not suggesting he should be benched, or his minutes drastically cut, just want to see the younger guys play more, if it can help keep AA as fresh as reasonably possible for a playoff run. Not a radical idea.

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:I worry how long he can keep up this style of play at 30, before injuries start taking its toll. I dont know how many minutes he's playing, but I hope the bench plays well enough so Afflalo has something left by the time the playoffs come around.

That kind of concern is somewhat odd since we have guys his age like Lebron playing similar minutes.

RK	PLAYER	                TEAM	GP	MIN	MPG
10	LeBron James, SF	CLE	35	1255	35.9
18	Rajon Rondo, PG	        SAC	35	1232	35.2
19	George Hill, PG	        IND	34	1191	35.0
23	Marc Gasol, C	        MEM	40	1391	34.8
28	Carmelo Anthony, SF	NY	38	1305	34.3
31	Trevor Ariza, SF	HOU	38	1296	34.1
33	Rudy Gay, SF	        SAC	35	1187	33.9
35	Chris Bosh, PF	        MIA	38	1279	33.7
37	Monta Ellis, SG	        IND	38	1269	33.4
39	Dwight Howard, C	HOU	32	1062	33.2
 	Paul Millsap, PF	ATL	38	1261	33.2
50      Goran Dragic, PG	MIA	37	1202	32.5
55	Chris Paul, PG	        LAC	33	1067	32.3
 	Arron Afflalo, SG	NY	32	1034	32.3
 	Deron Williams, PG	DAL	32	1032	32.3
60	Jarrett Jack, PG	BKN	32	1027	32.1

Not saying it couldn't be a factor but it's not that unusual.

As I said, it has to do with AA's style of play. If Afflalo were a Ray Allen type, not a slasher, not someone who puts up high difficulty shots on a regular basis, I would feel differently.

I also have been worried about using Melo too much as well, because of his age. The injuries happen more frequently now, and he has a long term deal.

Well the roughest thing AA does is when he posts and takes his fade away jumpers a la MJ or Kobe. I suspect the big danger is jumpers knee doing that move over and over. However, i'm not sure if a guy averaging 12 shots a game is gonna wear himself out as you suggest. He's averaging less minutes and shots than he did when he was the Primary Scorer.

Season	TEAM	AGE	GP	GS	MIN	FGA
2010-11 DEN	25	69	69	33.7	9.1
2011-12 DEN	26	62	62	33.6	11.3
2012-13 ORL	27	64	64	36.0	14.1
2013-14 ORL	28	73	73	35.0	13.8
2014-15 DEN	29	53	53	33.0    12.4
2015-16 NYK	30	32	32	32.3    11.9

He's still 30, also goes very strong to the rim, very active. AA would be going up against the best SGs in the league in a seven game series, not as easy at 30. Still half a season to go, the sooner Galloway can get out of his shooting slump, the better.

30 is still prime. You're talking like he's ready for a rocking chair. LOTS of good NBA players have played great past their 30th birthday. I'm not saying he can't get hurt or wear down, but it's not really something that happens all the time to guys who just turned 30. Heck AA hasn't even played all 40 games. He's played 32 games so far and tho he has been playing a LOT of minutes in January there will likely be a time when his minutes will go back down. It's the ups and downs of an NBA season.

I also hope Gallo can get going and take some more minutes or perhaps Phil will look for another SG to help out. I've been concerned with the fact that AA is the only true SG we have. That's not a good thing. So i'm not totally disagreeing with you about the issue we have with AA going down and not having a credible back up.

30 is the age when some guards start breaking down, become more injury prone, been that way for a long time. If AA was more of a spot up shooter, didn't put his body on the line as much, it wouldnt be an issue to me. He missed those games because of a hamstring injury, just want to make sure things like that dont crop up late in the season.

Not suggesting he should be benched, or his minutes drastically cut, just want to see the younger guys play more, if it can help keep AA as fresh as reasonably possible for a playoff run. Not a radical idea.

Hamstring injuries happen to young and old. That's not a sign of aging. I'm agreeing that keeping him fresh is a great idea. Would also like to see some depth added at SG just in case. Still tho, there are a lot of guys his age playing similar or more minutes. It's not out of line for a starter to log the minutes he plays. His minutes have increased in January but i'm sure the Knicks are monitoring that as they do all things. Why is AA a special case as if he's the only 30 yr old logging 30+ minutes?

I will say it one last time, its the way AA plays, not just his age. If we were talking about Steve Novak at 30, or someone else who lives 15 feet plus from the rim, I wouldnt have even brought it up

Ive been in favor of signing aging guards before, but they didnt play the way AA has, relentless. Thats all I can add to this conversation.

I agree with that. Not the same but AA on offense reminds me of Patrick Beverly on defense.

knicks1248 wrote:

martin wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:He's shown that he's willing to take the big shot when it's needed.

Stepped up big time yesterday, and he seemed to play with some fire.

Assume that the term "microwave" was mentioned to bring Vinny Johnson to mind...or is this a common term I'm just ignorant of?

Smart look softer/heavier physically than I remember from last year...am I seeing things, or is this true.
Refs let him get away with the rough stuff on KP...down the road that type of stuff done on Porzingis will get an immediate whistle. Maybe the refs are putting KP through an initiation, too.

I can't wait til next year when the Knicks have a better SG and AA/DWill/Lance can come off the bench and play the role of microwave.

who do you have in mind as a better sg that will be available?

Batum this off season, Westbrook the next