Magic PG: So Let Me Get This Straight...

[j4remi]

I actually thought the effort wasn't awful in this one, I think just think it was mostly misguided and unintelligent effort. Outside of Noah, the communication breakdowns seemed pretty obvious throughout the game. By the third quarter, Welo was forcing things and in the fourth there was a ton of effort from the second unit, but it was just a sloppy mess with TO's leading to easy points consistently. I've got a lot of complaints for this one but I'll sleep on it and reflect as usual. I ain't happy about this one though.

[SuperflyKnick]

knicks defense is as bad as ronda rouseys

They make rouseys defense look elite .... I am officially disconnecting my league pass .... and for those who say fu jumping off bandwagon .... Carmelo Anthony until on this team will not go anywhere decent ... nor letting us win or getting us a decent pk ...: we will be stuck in mediocrity with him

[Bill Pidto]

He was thinking that either it works and we have a good team or it doesn't work and the team gets a good pick and Melo asks to be traded.

And that it was a 1 year experiment. That trade was not bad. What was bad was the follow up signings of Noah/Lee and then resigning Lance.

Noah/Lee aren't difference makers on their own but they're great complementary guys to have with a young team or a team trying to contend.

Agreed. Noah's contract doesn't look great, but he isn't totally washed up, and he will always be a positive in the locker room. I'm really not mad about him being here so long as we can preserve cap space in other ways. Lee, on the other hand, is a good contract. He can play, and he's a leader too. He can also become a trade piece if we need him to be.

Once Melo and Rose are gone, those guys will become a more welcomed presence on what is otherwise a young team looking to reach the next level. Unfortunately, it looks like we'll have to take another step back before they can help us take a bigger step forward.

[AmazingJason]

Woodson was not creative on offense, but he kept Melo in check better than anybody in his career!!

The only reason Melo was kept in check was Woodson's whole game plan. Spread around the shooters and let Melo do his thing.

Not to mention, we had some bad motherf*ckas on that team. Kidd, Sheed, Kurt, Camby, Kmart...you can't mess around those badasses.

[TankCommander17]

I wanna know what Phil was thinking matching Rose with Melo. One of the worst combinations I've ever seen.

He was thinking that either it works and we have a good team or it doesn't work and the team gets a good pick and Melo asks to be traded.

With Rose's expiring, it was always looked at as a trial run.

People want to bash Phil, while some of it can be justified, they overlook the fact that he has always had the vision to maintain flexibility in the worst case scenario. He's hit the homerun with KP, someone no other GM in our recent memory has succeeded in doing. Let's see if he has the balls to follow through and give this franchise the rebuild its needed for over two decades, actually building a foundation for KP as he continues to take the leap.

This team needs to hand over the reigns...we already have our guy.

He gave up all flexibility giving Noah/Lee/Lance multiple year contract over market value with NO op out options. That was idiotic by him.

I don't mind the Rose trade at all. We got Holiday and picks so I was ok with that.

[Capn'O]

You're all about the ominous predictions. Stop with that crap, bro. You've been going on and on about how Melo is gonna get the Kobe max and a farewell tour from the Knicks. Now you didn't even watch the game, talking about what a disaster this team is.

Just admit, neither you or anyone here really knows what's gonna happen. But we can all bet good money Melo isn't gonna be here past his current deal. It makes no sense, with or without Phil in the FO.

I don't see Dolan firing Phil over this either. I think Phil still has Dolan wrapped around his finger actually. For better or for worse. My prediction is an ominous one for Melo. The Zen Master is not liking what he sees, and that's no empty prediction. That's a guarantee. And sure, he can't trade Melo without his consent, but I think the real mind games are about to begin. Operation trade Melo is underway. Put that in your peyote pipe and smoke it. Melo is toast.

Would you really be surprised if Dolan sided with Melo? Phil's jersey is never going to be retired in the MSG rafters...but Melo's will be.

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.

[VirginiaKnickFan]

Carmelo has been through numerous coaches and teeamte over his years on the Knicks. There is no consistentency. Other players would ahve requested a trade already.

Knicks throwing other teams leftovers on the court.

Knicks can trade Carmelo to Clippers for Reddick and a few picks. However, the Knicks would probably be unwatchable.

Melo's a Knick for life, ain't happening. He love's NY and his contract.

[JohnWillow]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=j588xeh

Meh let's just do this

[Jay10]

and whats even a greater irony, if Melo gets traded, he'll probably have his best stretch of his career and maybe a ring!!

as a third option.

[CJackson]

You're all about the ominous predictions. Stop with that crap, bro. You've been going on and on about how Melo is gonna get the Kobe max and a farewell tour from the Knicks. Now you didn't even watch the game, talking about what a disaster this team is.

Just admit, neither you or anyone here really knows what's gonna happen. But we can all bet good money Melo isn't gonna be here past his current deal. It makes no sense, with or without Phil in the FO.

I don't see Dolan firing Phil over this either. I think Phil still has Dolan wrapped around his finger actually. For better or for worse. My prediction is an ominous one for Melo. The Zen Master is not liking what he sees, and that's no empty prediction. That's a guarantee. And sure, he can't trade Melo without his consent, but I think the real mind games are about to begin. Operation trade Melo is underway. Put that in your peyote pipe and smoke it. Melo is toast.

Would you really be surprised if Dolan sided with Melo? Phil's jersey is never going to be retired in the MSG rafters...but Melo's will be.

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.

Solid post and totally realistic. Melo's juice is gone. The only thing that will keep him here is the NTC, but it is time to leave. He is going to be miserable if he stays because the way he plays now he is going to get booed mercilessly. He can remain a New Yorker. Lala can stay here. They can keep their L.A. home. If he insists on playing out his contract then he is just a glutton for punishment, because with his moodiness he is going to turn into a human pinata if he stays. People wouldn't do that if they felt like he gives a damn, but the average sensible person can see through the facade. He thinks he can coast on his born talents and that won't cut it when he is the grandpa on the court playing young bionic studs.

[DOLPHIN2020]

You're all about the ominous predictions. Stop with that crap, bro. You've been going on and on about how Melo is gonna get the Kobe max and a farewell tour from the Knicks. Now you didn't even watch the game, talking about what a disaster this team is.

Just admit, neither you or anyone here really knows what's gonna happen. But we can all bet good money Melo isn't gonna be here past his current deal. It makes no sense, with or without Phil in the FO.

I don't see Dolan firing Phil over this either. I think Phil still has Dolan wrapped around his finger actually. For better or for worse. My prediction is an ominous one for Melo. The Zen Master is not liking what he sees, and that's no empty prediction. That's a guarantee. And sure, he can't trade Melo without his consent, but I think the real mind games are about to begin. Operation trade Melo is underway. Put that in your peyote pipe and smoke it. Melo is toast.

Would you really be surprised if Dolan sided with Melo? Phil's jersey is never going to be retired in the MSG rafters...but Melo's will be.

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.

Well said. Plus 1000

[drekwins]

As much as it is hurt to admit but Melo is done as a franchise player...

Deep down inside I hope he will proof me wrong.

You're just realizing this? The easiest way to tell how much someone has declined is by comparing him to other dynamic players in the league. It used to be that people would only take LeBron ahead of him. Then, it became obvious that guys like: Paul, Davis, George, KD, Westbrook, Harden, etc. were better. Now, guys like Towns, Gordon-Hayward, Lillard (who wasn't even an all-star last year), Antomikoku, Isiah Thomas all look better... In fact, nearly every game, the other teams best player looks more versatile, dynamic and commonly is better all-around.

He's very close to 2013-2014 Paul Pierce...

[CJackson]

If Jeff mad a Melo for breaking the offense the pull him from the game actually show so balls and make a stand

Jeff is scared of Melo.

#truth

you're so random dude

[Jeffrey]

Woodson was not creative on offense, but he kept Melo in check better than anybody in his career!!

The only reason Melo was kept in check was Woodson's whole game plan. Spread around the shooters and let Melo do his thing.

Not to mention, we had some bad motherf*ckas on that team. Kidd, Sheed, Kurt, Camby, Kmart...you can't mess around those badasses.

Unfortunately, there's no more Sheed Kurt or Kmart in this league. It's just time to ask Melo, give us 6 teams you are willing to go. And we'll get back to you.

Starting next year, this will not be Melo's team.

[xNewYorkMadex]

Im very willing to trade Melo.

Hes never been a solid defender, but he usually always made up for it with his offense. This year he hasnt even been good offensively.

Last 10 games hes shooting like 37%, for the season hes down to about 41% factoring in tonights game. You just cant have that as your #1 option on offense. I cant defend Melo so far this season. Sure the criticisms go to far with some of yall, but he hasnt brought his game this season and thats a fact. Too inconsistent and too inefficient.

Tanking is cool, but the team will never be bad enough to be in the top 5 range as long as this team stays together. They will continue to look bad one stretch, then look good in another and no one will be happy about it.

[el13adnino]

melo is cool AF

[Im Coming Home]

The damn jynx thread on the GB asking if we were for real got us..

Ever since then we've been trash again.

[AmazingJason]

Would you really be surprised if Dolan sided with Melo? Phil's jersey is never going to be retired in the MSG rafters...but Melo's will be.

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.

Solid post and totally realistic. Melo's juice is gone. The only thing that will keep him here is the NTC, but it is time to leave. He is going to be miserable if he stays because the way he plays now he is going to get booed mercilessly. He can remain a New Yorker. Lala can stay here. They can keep their L.A. home. If he insists on playing out his contract then he is just a glutton for punishment, because with his moodiness he is going to turn into a human pinata if he stays. People wouldn't do that if they felt like he gives a damn, but the average sensible person can see through the facade. He thinks he can coast on his born talents and that won't cut it when he is the grandpa on the court playing young bionic studs.

If you don't think things can get worse, then I don't know what else to say. We'll just have to see

[AmazingJason]

Im very willing to trade Melo.

Hes never been a solid defender, but he usually always made up for it with his offense. This year he hasnt even been good offensively.

Last 10 games hes shooting like 37%, for the season hes down to about 41% factoring in tonights game. You just cant have that as your #1 option on offense. I cant defend Melo so far this season. Sure the criticisms go to far with some of yall, but he hasnt brought his game this season and thats a fact. Too inconsistent and too inefficient.

Tanking is cool, but the team will never be bad enough to be in the top 5 range as long as this team stays together. They will continue to look bad one stretch, then look good in another and no one will be happy about it.

We don't need to be top 5, this is one of the deepest drafts ever, and in a position of need (PG).

[Adelheid]

Would you really be surprised if Dolan sided with Melo? Phil's jersey is never going to be retired in the MSG rafters...but Melo's will be.

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.

Solid post and totally realistic. Melo's juice is gone. The only thing that will keep him here is the NTC, but it is time to leave. He is going to be miserable if he stays because the way he plays now he is going to get booed mercilessly. He can remain a New Yorker. Lala can stay here. They can keep their L.A. home. If he insists on playing out his contract then he is just a glutton for punishment, because with his moodiness he is going to turn into a human pinata if he stays. People wouldn't do that if they felt like he gives a damn, but the average sensible person can see through the facade. He thinks he can coast on his born talents and that won't cut it when he is the grandpa on the court playing young bionic studs.

Getting booed and heckled for the remainder of the RS and for the next 2 RS...sounds brutal I would say. Cant imagine one guy still wanting to stay in a place where he is not wanted.