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NEW YORK -- By now, perhaps, you thought you'd be reading about Amare Stoudemire every night. And you probably thought you'd be reading about a New York Knicks team struggling through its first 10 games, trying to establish an identity with so many new faces.
The unheralded Toney Douglas has had two outstanding games in a row for the Knicks.
Well, that ain't quite the case.
The Knicks are good enough to be over .500 (3-2), they're deep enough that we could give you chapter and verse about how important Stoudemire's supporting cast was... -ESPN
After a limited sample which includes the summer league, pre-season, and five regular season games there's one definite truth when it comes to the 2010 Knicks...
this ain't yo mammas Knicks.
Well actually this new Knick team is a lot like competitive teams from the past, and that's due to defense. Yes I said it, the Knicks play defense! But there's more...
The 2010 Knicks play team oriented ball, with perpetual (Clyde) motion, and tenacious defense. And with the doubters using short-sighted views, no one realized how deep the Knicks are thanks to Donnie Walsh.
I for one am tired of mentioning what we recently had (and subsequently lost), as the comparisons and speculations of David Lee's departure and impact are fresh on some minds, but how can you not compare what we witnessed in the recent past to now, thats called comparative analysis.
This team is deep with complimentary players, and are doing it with one star, Amare, ala during the Patrick Ewing era. (Oops I mentioned the past)
Some would argue this recent competitive streak is just an aberration and the sample size is too small. Others say Danillo Gallinari is the key, as his lack of athleticism is over shadowed by his outside shooting prowess. When we look at the numbers, as you may have guessed, it goes deeper, and some stats don't reflect what's happening. Leadership and accountability.
Want more?The Knicks had 11 blocked shots, reaching double-figures for the second time in five games after doing it only once all of last season.
Compared to the Eastern conference...
The Knicks are #1 in points per game, 4th in rebounding, 1st in blocks per game, and 3rd in steals per game.
Raymond Felton is top five in assists per game. Chandler, STAT, and Turiaf rank 5-7 in blocked shots.
When we began the Walsh and D'Antoni era we all filled out our wish lists, based on what we thought we needed and wanted to see. Things like defense, big men, depth, superstars, point guards, just being competitive, were all mentioned. And now look...
The Knicks have:
1. Quality leadership in Walsh
2. A Playoff experienced Head Coach, who can handle the NY Media
3. Cap Room
4. Size at every position
5. Depth
6. Athleticism
7. Rebounders
8. Defenders
9. All-Stars
10. Budding Rookies
These wish list items are no longer coveted as before. Now comes the next step. Cohesion, resiliency to bounce back off of loses and negative perceptions based on the past, and consistency is what will make the Knicks a formidable foe.
Our offense and personnel allows us to be versatile and beat teams in multiple ways... we can take what the defense gives us.
Our depth and complimentary players allow hot hands to shoot and save energy and stamina.
Our defense changes games.
And I bet you're feeling like, wait it's too early, this is just a reaction thread...
It's never too early to form an opinion, whether it's valid or not is a different story, but think about it..
When we've effectively become experts over the last 8 years at what not to do, at what looks bad, inconsistent, and wrong...
it's easy to see and feel what's right. After years, our opinions are valid.
This is all we've been asking for. Not deep playoff runs, not the best player in the game, overall just be competitive, and represent.
So far these dudes have done that. Your thoughts.