Bill Pidto wrote:Capn'O wrote:Bill Pidto wrote:
Phil has had more pull with Dolan than anyone ever has, and that includes Melo. It even includes Isiah. Say what you will about Dolan, but he's not a total idiot. He's a very rich businessman, with the type of money that would put Melo's bank account to shame, and he put Phil in total control of one of his greatest assets (the entire Knicks franchise).
Melo is merely a player, and WAS a star. That star is fading fast, and Dolan would have to be brain dead to "side" with Melo at this point. I honestly believe Dolan would be all ears if Phil went to him and said, "look Jim.. I kept Melo on board like you wished, and I tried to build a winner around him with what we had to work with, but it's not going well and Melo is declining rapidly. It's clear to see that KP is our guy to build around, and luckily we've set ourselves up with a plan B, C and D in the likely event that Melo doesn't pan out as a championship caliber leader/contract. Let's try to nudge Melo in another direction, let Derrick walk, and let's get started on plan B or C because it's your best chance at fielding a winner any time soon".
Is that really so hard to believe? I think Dolan bending over for Melo is a myth at this point. It seems to me that he bent over for Phil a while ago, and that he practically wants nothing to do with the team at this point in his life. Add the sudden star power of KP, and I don't think Dolan would bat an eye at getting rid of a washed up Melo. Business is business.
As for Melo getting his number retired- I think that's another one of those things you've been pedaling as a fact when it's very far from a guarantee. Melo has put up some gaudy numbers, made the all-star team every year, and had a couple of "historic moments" in the garden during what was mostly a meaningless tenure as a Knick. Cool. Truth is, he hasn't helped this team win jack sh*t besides the pick that landed us KP. Hasn't even taken this team to the playoffs more than twice. One of those years, he needed a slew of vets to provide all the leadership. The other, he came in half way through the year after Amar'e did most of the leg work, and after he forced a trade here months before becoming a FA and depleted the team like the bozo that he is. What has he done to deserve his name in the rafters anymore than Bernard King or even Houston/Spree???
Only thing Melo has been successful with in NY has been his own personal business. And I tip my cap to him for that because I wish I had his money. But purely from a Knicks fan's perspective, he's been a huge failure and proved to be about half the player LeBron and Wade are. Great scorer, decent rebounder, marketable dude, wonderful player on an Olympic team full of all-world talent that know how to play team ball and get him easy looks. And that's about it. A lot more than most NBA players could ever say, but still not enough for a highly paid guy who hi-jacked the franchise and continues to hi-jack the team's offense and hold the franchise hostage with a NTC he didn't deserve.
F your farewell tour and your spot in the rafters for Melo's number 7. Knicks fans don't wanna hear it. We never cared that much about the dude. We wanted to, but he never earned it. Plain and simple.
He seems to be a good family man too, which I respect.
Absolutely. Seems like a great dad and a great husband. Has a beautiful family and is ultra successful in many facets of life. He's also admired by his peers and loved by his friends. Charitable and all that.
I have to make it clear, my only disdain for Melo comes from my undying love for the Knicks. Even calling him a bozo is probably too much, but I'm mad. I think he sucks as a teammate. Maybe not in the locker room or on the plane, but come tip-off, I see him as a selfish player who could never be the focal point of a great offense that truly benefits his team. Nevermind the defensive side of the ball.
The fact remains- likely the most famous thing Melo will have ever done in the Garden is punch Mardy Collins as a Nugget. I just want to move on from this era. Melo was a bust.
well damn!
