Comments on: Knicks Morning News (Monday, Feb 13 2012)

By: johnno

johnno — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:57:30 +0000

Why is there ANY question regarding whether Melo can play with the offense running through a point guard? In Denver, he played with Andre Miller, then Allen Iverson (an offensive black hole if there ever was one) and then Chauncey Billups and scored 24ppg with the offense running through each of them. When he came to the Knicks, he scored 25ppg with the offense running through Billups. He can’t be an elite scorer with the offense running through Lin? And he can’t play in a fast tempo offense? Why??? The fact is that the Nuggets are ALWAYS among the league leaders in “pace” and he did just fine on offense there. And let’s dispel the myth that he and Amare can’t coexist on offense. In the 2 months before the trade last year, Amare averaged 24.8 points on 52% shooting and, after the trade, he averaged 24.2 points on 50% shooting. After the trade last year, the Knicks were among the league leaders in scoring and offensive efficiency. Their problem was no defense. This year, they are in the top 10 in the league in defensive efficiency (and only slightly behind the top 6!). And has anyone noticed that Melo has really put in a great effort on defense? My advice to Melo (as if he needs it) — on offense, do EXACTLY what you did last year and, on defense, do exactly what you did before getting hurt this year. By the way, is Melo sometimes a “ball-stopper?” Uh, yeah, but then again, so are Kobe, Durant, Nowitski, Pierce, and just about every other great iso-scorer in the history of the NBA…

By: Gideon Zaga

Gideon Zaga — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:49:25 +0000

The verdict is out on Melo guys. He said after practice that he will give Lin the ball and just get out of the way. A bit cynical but at least he sounds like he’s acknowledged the good stuff that’s going on.

By: Eternal OptiKnist

Eternal OptiKnist — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:10:34 +0000

I think the last issue to be worked out will be STAT and chandler occupying the same space in the paint. I think one of the sobering realities of the season was that STAT is most effective at center. That question is independent of Linsanity.

By: hoolahoop

hoolahoop — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:47:07 +0000

bob cook: On another issue, I agree with everyone else that Novak’s earned more time.

Dantoni said that if Novak gets hidden going forward, he (Dantoni) needs to do some soul searching.

By: bob cook

bob cook — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:34:01 +0000

What helps, I think, in the “will Melo adapt” issue is the horrendous losing record we had pre-Lin. If we had been winning as was anticipated, there would be the “why change; we’re fine” argument which flourished last year prior to the Denver trade. Elite athletes like Melo want to win and the early part of the season must have been bitter soup for him and the whole team (and us fans). So he’ll get the ball in position to either pop a shot or drive to the basket (something he’s very good at). What’s not to like? And Melo, being a fine passer, will have plenty of chance to pass also. For gosh sakes, Jeffries has been racking up some assists; it’s contagious.

On another issue, I agree with everyone else that Novak’s earned more time. Why can’t he be first forward off the bench? You want Walker? (ha-ha, only kidding). JJ, who’s busted his ass can play more center subbing TC and Bibbi disappears once Baron shows up. Woo Hoo.

By: Gideon Zaga

Gideon Zaga — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:19:35 +0000

You guys forget that Melo scored a grand total of 1 point when we blew out the bobcats earlier this year. If that’s not fitting in, then I wander what is.

By: hoolahoop

hoolahoop — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:15:22 +0000

Mr. “Know-it-All”, know nothing, Mike Francesca, will be interviewing D’antoni in about ten minutes on 660.

By: Degree_Absolute

Degree_Absolute — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:10:47 +0000

This new iteration of the “Will Melo Fit” discussion should be one-sided in favor of those who think he will fit. For some reason it isn’t though. Those that think he won’t fit are basing this on nothing except their own personal beliefs. Those who think he will fit have at least one game to point to where he did fit and we won.

Discussion over.

By: Brian Cronin

Brian Cronin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:58:31 +0000

I’m sure that will be very knowledgeable stuff. :-)

“Oh, ALBERTO Albuquerque. Yeah, I know him. That’s how I know him, as Alberto Albuquerque.”

By: hoolahoop

hoolahoop — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:58:00 +0000

It’s ironic how this resembles the discussion before Melo arrived. Some of us were clearly against the trade and thought that Melo would not be a good fit for this team. The Melo defenders screamed and ranted how idiotic that idea was.
Now, some of us are concerned that he will not fit in with the current cohesiveness the knicks established in the five games he missed. The Melo defenders, again, cannot conceive of him not fitting in perfectly with the new and improved knicks.
So, some of the posters here do not have the vision to see that Melo may, possibly, not fit into the current offense – again. Yet, have full faith that Melo will change his vision of his role and style of his play. Irony.