I much rather have quality guard play. I like Melo, but not at the price of forcing us to get cheap contracts for our back court.
I'm against trading Shumpert. I still believe he will put things together. He's developing a very smooth jumpshot, he can be a Raja Bell type for us.
It's not 'Melo's fault. It's like when we had Ewing... Big guys aren't coordinated enough with their body, or possess ball handling skills, to be a legit scoring threat from beyond 15 feet (or so). If the defense forces 'Melo outside, his lone weapon is the jumper. And he's not Dirk. He is streak. If 'Melo drives the ball... most likely he'll lose it, get stripped or a charge will be called. If he happens to get to the hoop, he'll get hacked and most likely refs will allow the contact... So, of course, Melo will fall back on his jumper. This was the same with Ewing.
And my final straw was 'Melo coming out with those comments, and then backtracking... a self-created disaster this team didn't need. And look... it hurt his play!
I like what DOlan did. First time for everything. He said he expects to win. SO, if 'Melo feels he can win 50 games, opt out... test market, then come crawling back to get his max contract. TAKE A HIKE. If we lose in the first round or second round again... given his track record in May-June... Are you investing a max in a 30 yr-old Anthony?
As for SHUMP. I want to believe... but I'm staring to think he's going to evolve into nothing more than a tease. Like Walt says, he is GREAT 1 game... then disappears for 4 games. He'll never be consistently. He doesn't have a natural instinct to score. And his defense is getting shoddy. I trade him while his value is still high.
Look what PHI did with their PG. Dealt him and now have a gem in this rookie.