I think I agree w/ the peeps above, re: STAT.
He's playing kinda like he was right before his he took time off.....which is to say he seems a bit more aware and consistently applying effort both ways.
The best thing for STAT's D and overall game at this pt is finding his way on the offense. He's an offensive player, if he starts eating good he's going to be able to apply the rhythm and confidence both ways. (or at least to a degree better than he can otherwise).
I agree w/ CA7 that he might just be being a bit of a bitch, too, and feeling aggravated about not being "The Man" anymore.
There's just no reason he shouldn't be shooting in the high .500 %'s, with 7+ boards, and getting his 20 a game as a result, and going off for bonzo scoring games when the matchups are right.
Look, all that swag ass bullshit he's talked since coming here has to be tied to this notion he has of saving NYK, being a king of the basketball city, etc....Just look at how much he applies himself to media and entertainment exposure, facilitated through the pris mof STAT as basketball god of NY and leader of the NYK.
I just pray he's able to get his shit together, and be the player he can still be on this. And this guy doesn't pull a Curry on us, and allow his game to erode over time bc he's not emotionally satisfied.
In this sense alone, Bosh is superior to Amare, IMO. He's adapted far quicker and with less bullshit -- in a tougher situation, too -- than STAT.
The 20lb stuff I just don't get. Who the **** gets paid 100M to play ball, and puts on 20lb if there's any real chance it'd legit effect their game poorly. I can't believe this could happen, and coaches/trainers/etc wouldn't stop it.
Bottomline, Chandler is playing better than anyone thought, too. He has become a pretty beast scorer, surprisingly. Lin, Melo, Chandler and guys like Shump, Novak, JR....all can act as scorers; sucks that it makes STAT's offense all the more expendable, on top of his overall game and contract.