Too many Role Players
If you watch the games the Knicks are trying to make it happen inside unfortunately teams have keyed in on their inconsistent outside shooting and have played a lot of zone and or packed the paint daring non shooters like Randolph and Felton to make jump shots. All the Knicks need to do is MAKE their shots. Gallo is the key in this respect, until he consistently poses a threat from outside will he or the Knicks have opportunities to score in the paint. Count in our lack of post play and it becomes elementary as to why we score so little in the paint aside from STAT obviously.
From watching the Knicks these first couple of Games I will be the first to say KiyaMan was just spot on about Chandler and I agree that he is our 2nd best player right now. His improved shot selection and field goal percentage has impressed and while not a pure SG he can fill in just fine, not to mention he can play 2-4 on defense. Gallo and Randolph look like s#it right now. While the potential is there (millionth time this has been said) Gallo will most likely be a decent starter and Randolph an energy 6th Man see (Jason Maxiell.) Amare needs help on the offensive end and If I am the Knicks I consider moving both Gallo, Randolph and whoever else necessary to get Melo now.
While many consider this "gutting the team" I feel with the emergence of our bench (Douglas, Fields, Azzy, Turiaf etc,) we have too much depth and not enough playing time. By trading away some "projects" we can get some serious talent to pair with STAT while he is in his prime all while freeing up some space for the likes of solid role players like Fields to get some play this season.
1. Felton
2. Chandler
3. Melo
4. STAT
5. Mozgov
Bench:
Douglas
Azzy
Fields
Turiaf
If we can set this team up now we get to make the playoffs and actually compete as a 4th or 5th seed in the Playoffs and possibly get to the 2nd Round Not get embarassed by the Heat or Celtics in the first. This develops chemistry and exposes our weakness in a playoff setting ( This lets us see whether we need to keep or Fire D'antoni. Depending on whether or not Chandler or Azzy fit the SG position we can just let their contracts expire or trade for picks at deadline. I am not a fan of wait till end of the year for multiple reasons.
With Melo now:
1. We win now
2. Carmelo and STAT have time to Gel
3. We can better build around Carmelo when he is here.
4. Chris Paul will find his way here to complete the Trifecta setting us up for a title run the year we acquire him. Other veteran free agents will take less to come here.
5. Nets make the trade and Carmelo gets Paul to join forming the Paul-Melo-Lopez Big Three AKA my Worst Knick Nightmare.
Bottomline: I don't buy the hype I am officially numb to the words "home grown, potential, development and project" time to build a proven winner. The Blueprint is out there... Champiosnhips teams have STARS and don't bother with "potential" see Lakers (Gasol trade) Celtics (KG and Ray trades) Miami Heat (Lebron & Bosh.. they gave up a number 2 pick Beasly to do this btw.) If you don't like it go see a Thunder Game.
