Red
TYPE-A
I agree, obviously players have slumps or lulls. But notice, when we or most people evaluate players (Felton or Duhon), they rate the players based on their offense. Offense is valued more in this league of entertainment by most fans and media alike.
For example, say Felton (or anyone) produced 15 & 8 while he was streaking with us... those numbers might warrant an all-star bid than compared to say less than 5 points but with 5 steals and 10 rebounds. Why? Because rebounds coming from a guard are NOT valued. Points in the NBA always have value, but defensive stats are usually mentioned second.
But let me just say what my deal with these players and most is:
At some point you, me, everyone will need to form an opinion on a player. Scouting his talents, mental ability, etc... analyzing this in relation to the team make-up and philosophy is what professionals and amateurs do.
The difference is we all take different times and approaches to come to conclusions. Not to toot my horn, but I feel my ability to evaluate talent and analyzing the fit is quicker than most. I don't need years of a body of work. Some do.
I realize players change and can get better or worse, nothing is set in stone. What I've seen from TD and Fields is something that can't be explained by "struggling" or "losing" something, as you say. Know why?
Simply because in my analysis of the Knicks- it's obvious our defense needs to change for the better. Not scoring. Not personnel. Not coaching.
We have debated those issues and theories to no end... remember? And while I feel the coach and philosophy play a part, I can't even blame MOA nor his system for what I've seen. It's so basic that no other excuse or reason will due. Scheme, lulls or struggles, team make-up... none can explain why these two players show poor defensive fundamentals.
There is only one logical explanation. Fields and Douglas can't be relied upon for defense, therefore can't be looked at as starters due to NOT having what's needed, thus I conclude this because they simply can't play defense. They don't know how. They suck.
Sure, maybe Landry can find his niche. Maybe he wins us a game by hitting a shot. Same goes for TD. But those are offensive influences. And I think we can agree offense isn't the problem. We mind as well just watch the defensive parts of games for these two because they cannot add (out of necessity) to what we already can do, and thats score. I can't say their offensive skills really even matter. 6th men maybe, but for starters, doesn't even matter.
What matters, is this team is in serious need of defense. Defense begins out on the perimeter. They have been thrust into starting roles. The demand for them is defense. Simple.
So I look intently at their defense, in various situations (one on one, transition, help, passing lanes, etc...) and they fail! Fail in terms of NOT contributing to US being better. Isn't that the goal? Isn't it obvious thats what we need? Well then the criteria has changed, and these two like many other out of position players, based on their defense, do not belong in the starting line-up.
Thinking they can "find" or "not struggle" to play defense won't work. They're not hurt. They know we suck on D. No reason besides they can't do it can be conjured up.
