With the All-Star break upon us, the season is half over. The buzz is back at the Garden and the team seems to have the ability to win some ball games and be in position to solidify a playoff spot. Thank god. But, let's not get too over zealous here and blow the roof off because there is much that needs to be improved moving forward into the nitty gritty of the season.
First and foremost, the 'Melo trade talks need to end with the Knicks landing him. Period. Ama're needs that second star to team with to help take the pressure off him night in and night out. No disrespect to Stoudemire here because he certainly has performed when many said he couldn't without Nash. He has proved he can be the face of a franchise in this league with his own skill assets and determination to win.
Secondly, a true back up point guard is needed to help relieve some minutes from Raymond Felton. Sorry Knicks fans, but Toney Douglas is not the answer and here's why. When Douglas takes the court, I hold my breath. Why do I do this? Simply because you do not know what you are getting on any given night. One night Douglas can be razor sharp shooting the ball from deep and then the next night he's as cold as the arctic. His passing and decision making can be decent and I say decent because it's never good. On the other hand, his decisions make me want to throw a hammer at the television set. His inconsistency and inability to really get the second unit into an offensive flow will hurt the Knicks down the stretch.
Fields, Gallinari and Chandler have all proven they can score and put up numbers. This is a bright spot, but not bright enough to hold out on a Carmelo type talent. Hint, hint Mr. Walsh and Mr. Dolan.
Finally, as a fan and writer analyzing the Knicks, I would love for some type of epiphany to happen that suddenly brings a bit of a defensive mindset to the floor. Defensively, the Knicks have trouble guarding other team's main man. It's evident night in and night out. Without the ability to be able to lock down someone in the last 5 minutes of a game to help push the lead and seal the deal, the Knicks are in store for a lot more back and forth trying to match the other team scoring affairs. Defense needs to step up.
With 'Melo still looming in the atmosphere and the All-Star break here, there is a lot of commotion around the Big Apple. I will say this though. Big Ups to Stoudemire for being voted as a starter for the east and representing the renowned basketball culture in NYC.
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