nicos:
Great breakdown Latke!!I think the key question with Carmelo is can he initiate the screen and roll?He’s certainly more capable than either Gallo or Chandler (neither of whom have had a whole lot of success playing the two man game with Amar’e)- he’s a better passer and ball handler than either of them.If you’re going to make this deal you have to believe that you can run the offense through Carmelo at least part of the time.Possible, but I have my doubts.  

Yeah, I think if we see this trade happen, we’ll see MDA try to run the ‘Melo/Amare PnR. It’ll be a different sort of PnR though, probably closer to the basket, since Carmelo is not a big time threat from distance. They’ll probably also run it more often with the intent of getting ‘Melo the mismatch at the top of the key against opposing bigs and letting him go to work (I’m not too optimistic about the efficiency of this, but it might be the best way to get ‘Melo his touches).

This would also take pressure off Billups to make great passes, something I’m not sure is his strongest suit, and allow him to play off the ball more — catch and shoot from the perimeter.

latke: I’m curious if it changed folks’ perspectives on how well Carmelo would fit in. I feel like he would have to reform his game to a degree, the biggest compromise being not having the ball in his hands for nearly as much time.

Great breakdown Latke!! I think the key question with Carmelo is can he initiate the screen and roll? He’s certainly more capable than either Gallo or Chandler (neither of whom have had a whole lot of success playing the two man game with Amar’e)- he’s a better passer and ball handler than either of them. If you’re going to make this deal you have to believe that you can run the offense through Carmelo at least part of the time. Possible, but I have my doubts.

BigBlueAL: Duke this season is running Mike D’Antoni’s half-court offense perfectly. Reason Nolan Smith is leading the ACC in both points and assists per game.  (Quote)

I was thinking Smith would be a perfect first round pick for us.

On another note, I bet Toronto or Cleveland would like Chandler, Mozgov, Felton, and Utah’s first-rounder (from Minny) instead of the trade exception they got in exchange for losing their All-Stars. I think Denver should’ve been more grateful to receive that offer. :)

Sorry to go off topic but there are so many threads now!

“NBA TV reporting that Nuggets want Fields & Mozgov in the deal instead of Gallinari. Thus far, as source said neither side will budge.”