Amare will have his best defensive season next year

[moocow007]

I'm with the folks that feel that it's not Stoudemire isn't willing (actually think he is willing) but rather he just doesn't have the capacity or the feel for it. Some people seem to have the green thumb. Stoudemire? When it comes to defense? Seems to be all thumbs. Like theres a lag between the time his eyes pick up the play and it gets processed by his brain and the rest of his body starts moving.

And that's the scarier/worse part. It's easier to get a guy who's not willing but able to start than get a guy who's willing but not able to do it.

[Clyde_Style]

I'm with the folks that feel that it's not Stoudemire isn't willing (actually think he is willing) but rather he just doesn't have the capacity or the feel for it. Some people seem to have the green thumb. Stoudemire? When it comes to defense? Seems to be all thumbs. Like theres a lag between the time his eyes pick up the play and it gets processed by his brain and the rest of his body starts moving.

And that's the scarier/worse part. It's easier to get a guy who's not willing but able to start than get a guy who's willing but not able to do it.

Sigh. You are making me sad.

[IMAN5]

LOL

[NYKat]

I'm with the folks that feel that it's not Stoudemire isn't willing (actually think he is willing) but rather he just doesn't have the capacity or the feel for it. Some people seem to have the green thumb. Stoudemire? When it comes to defense? Seems to be all thumbs. Like theres a lag between the time his eyes pick up the play and it gets processed by his brain and the rest of his body starts moving.

And that's the scarier/worse part. It's easier to get a guy who's not willing but able to start than get a guy who's willing but not able to do it.

I, respectfully, just totally reject that theory.

Amare's not a (Please Use More Appropriate Word)... Physically, he lacks nothing tp prevent him from being an, at least, above average defender. So he just needs to be pushed and directed to focus and improve in that area.

In that respect Woody may be the best coach for him, cause he'll hold him accountable. The first time a defender barrels down the lane and Stat just watches him dunk, (you know how he does )Woody needs to embarass his ass. And best believe if Melo and Tyson are busting hump on D and Stat is still f*cking the dog, it'll be real easy to send Amare's ass to the bench.

My crystal ball told me that's how its going down

[J9Starks3]

Melo and STAT are very similar in that they have all the tools to be good defenders. Big, strong, athletic, etc. Both show glimpses (Amare's last second block on LeBron was awesome timing) and then revert back to laziness.

The difference is - in the playoffs this year, when we were struggling, I saw something from Melo I never thought Id see. Guy was on the floor diving for balls! All the better defenders in the league have that kind of mentality - the ball is theirs, they deserve it and will get it, even if that means diving on the floor and scrapping for the ball.

If Melo can keep that up, the energy that brings to the team (and fans) alone will improve his/others defense. I have NEVER seen that from Amare... forget working with Gentry or Woodson.... have a real heart to heart with Jared and Tyson.... look at those guys out there, study their film....see where they are on the court and then go out there and dive for loose balls!

[Clyde_Style]

The best thing that has happened to the franchise in a while would be if Woodson shows himself to be a bulldog now that he has his contract and money. Even if Amare is not fully teachable and able to learn nuances, if Woodson starts sitting people down for blown assignments that will be the day I climb Props Mountain and clap as loud as I can.

[knicks1973]

I never thought Amar'e was a particularly strong guy through his lower trunk and body. The muscles needed for exploding forward to the rim are different from the muscles needed to achieve a good squat on defense as well as lateral movement from that squat and to that squat from moving laterally... so he is already at a physical disadvantage there.

You also need good peripheral vision to notice cutters and backdoors and so on... and it may be strange to think about but those goggles of his could be blocking peripheral vision.

Not a fan of this "never being taught" stuff... that's not a valid excuse but it does sort of play into the notion of a lot of these guys coasting through high school and college on their physical advantages alone.

Lastly it is a shame that so many pros have no innate love for playing defense, as though competing is only done on the downhill side of the ball....

[Mr Knick]

Amar'e needs to improve on defensive fundamental, bottom line. Then it's about heart and effert people.

[Fury]

The best thing that has happened to the franchise in a while would be if Woodson shows himself to be a bulldog now that he has his contract and money. Even if Amare is not fully teachable and able to learn nuances, if Woodson starts sitting people down for blown assignments that will be the day I climb Props Mountain and clap as loud as I can.

With that new contract, I think we'll get an all-out Woodson. He did pretty well for a guy who didn't have a contract in terms of holding players accountable. With the media on their asses, and Woodson showing that type of pushiness, there's no reason why Amar'e should still be a terrible defender.

[GONYK]

The best thing that has happened to the franchise in a while would be if Woodson shows himself to be a bulldog now that he has his contract and money. Even if Amare is not fully teachable and able to learn nuances, if Woodson starts sitting people down for blown assignments that will be the day I climb Props Mountain and clap as loud as I can.

With that new contract, I think we'll get an all-out Woodson. He did pretty well for a guy who didn't have a contract in terms of holding players accountable. With the media on their asses, and Woodson showing that type of pushiness, there's no reason why Amar'e should still be a terrible defender.

Aside from his horrific defensive instincts. I think he should be better, but I'm not expecting more than slightly above average, which would be good for us.

[Pharmcat]

amare will never be a good defender or rebounder

hes had a history of knee and back injuries...why risk it trying to box out?

he is what he is...its worth it as long as hes firing on all cylinders on the O end

[Smoke24]

amare will never be a good defender or rebounder

hes had a history of knee and back injuries...why risk it trying to box out?

he is what he is...its worth it as long as hes firing on all cylinders on the O end

Because it's his job?

[Clyde_Style]

amare will never be a good defender or rebounder

hes had a history of knee and back injuries...why risk it trying to box out?

he is what he is...its worth it as long as hes firing on all cylinders on the O end

Because it's his job?

Don't get all Donna Summer on us now. Amare got paid. He'll work hard if he feels like it and that's that.

[Pharmcat]

amare will never be a good defender or rebounder

hes had a history of knee and back injuries...why risk it trying to box out?

he is what he is...its worth it as long as hes firing on all cylinders on the O end

Because it's his job?

amare wasnt brought here for his defense

[knicks1973]

amare will never be a good defender or rebounder

hes had a history of knee and back injuries...why risk it trying to box out?

he is what he is...its worth it as long as hes firing on all cylinders on the O end

Because it's his job?

amare wasnt brought here for his defense

He was brought here to resurrect the franchise and help it win. I think he was the beneficiary of circumstance but that does not excuse him from getting better on both ends of the floor. No sense in making excuses for max money players... ever. You have every reason to take the cynical approach but if he wants to win he can't afford the same mindset as you have....