JXL wrote:Here we go. Is Melo going to stick around for the process? Don't be surprised if he basically says 1 day "I want out, I don't fit here anymore." What will Dolan think if Melo asks out? Will that finally expose Phil that his system is flawed in today's game? All poignant but legitimate questions.
An aging Melo asking out of a rebuilding process does not "expose Phil" or suggest that his system doesn't work. That makes no sense.
I really don't think Melo will want to go. I think he's gonna have a good season, and that the Knicks will have a surprisingly good season, and he'll be motivated to recruit his ass off next summer. If the Knicks can't land a big time FA next summer to really change the landscape of the team, then maybe'll he'll ask to be traded and Phil will gladly oblige.
Or, maybe KP shows this year that he's on the brink of superstardom. In which case, Melo might be pleased with him as a running mate. Would also help the FA process.
Either way, unless the Knicks are well below .500 again, I don't think Melo has the balls to make a big stink and create another "Melo drama" episode on a team that's hovering near .500 and has a chance to make the playoffs. Fans and media would destroy him for sabatoging a season where the Knicks don't have their own pick.