This isn't really about the play exactly, Melo and Amare have consistently shown by their body language they're not into the game unless the ball is in their hands.
MELO didn't even MOVE. Thats what happens all the time. These guys are horrible playing off the ball, especially defensively.
Jennings is a 20 ppg scorer in the NBA on average...He had 25 points together, some of those were on Lin some of those were on Davis. Thats expected and thats why no one said anything.
But when Michael Dunleavy Jr goes 10-16 FG 3-6 3pt on 25 points and Ersan hits 26 points ...you HAVE to question how much pride Glenn Robinson and Whackimire take in their game. You have to QUESTION will these guys ever take a leadership role on both sides of the court because they've been offensively inconsistent and defensively nonexistant.
Players like Lin will improve throughout time, he's only had about 50 games in his NBA career. But in those 50 games, Lin showed more balls and determination to win, hustle and will to work it out with his teammates than Melo or Amare has ever shown.
Lin is not Steve Nash, Lin is Lin, a SG converted into PG who can rank up a bunch of steals, assist, turnovers and points with an improving jumpshot.
Per 36 he's averaging 20.8 ppg 8.7 assist and 2.3 steals per game.
He's at rookie of the year level of play with guys like Irving and Rubio (even though I feel Irving and Rubio are superior players and will surpass guys like Rose and Westbrook in a couple of years).
Lin is great, and he's been great for us. His collapse against Miami was due to him trying to serve to Melo and Amare.
:agreed: I agree with mostly everything you said. Melo is looking like Carmelo "Have a Contract, I'll Play Defense again in 2 Years" Anthony. Maybe he should take some looks at LeBron and what the Heat have been doing as well on the offensive end. Since Wade and LeBron decided to team up, they have improved dramatically at moving without the ball. It's a result of determination to improve their game and practice. Yes, we are talking about practice. Ever since the knicks had those "5 practices to get everything together", they have lost 4 straight games. I know everyone doubts our current coaching staff. I can't say that I know enough of what goes on behind the scenes to know if they are good for the team or not, and I don't think that anyone else does either. But, it does appear that either the players aren't making the transition from what's learned in practice to what goes on during the game. They clearly have the "natural" basketball instincts, but they really need to learn that they can no longer just walk on the court and run a play. They need to refine their skills to compensate for all of the talent on the team and the change in the number of touches. And hustle and determination, can't forget those.
/End of my rant.