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

[dakomish23]

You don't have to blame the failures in the last few years on Melo as a predicate to thinking him being traded is best for the franchise. I love Melo and think he could play well in a system where he is a power forward (he should play pf here) and would personally like to see him on the Clippers. That said, the league is tilted so heavily toward Cleveland and Golden State and that will not wane for another 2-3 years. Further, we have one of the top three prospects in the Nba. The smart move is to spend those 2-3 years drafting high and developing good role players. That is the reason i wouldnt mind a Melo deal, not because he is some cancer.

Same here. I thought there was a window we could do something. I'm not sure that there isn't, but the moves they made make zero sense with the personnel we have. And we let those moves dictate everything for us, from rotations to style of play. Mix in Melo being as inconsistent as he's ever been, the smarter the move to tank looks.

I'll give this current iteration through January. Let's see how they come out. If it's more of the same, then tank it up. If we're tanking, see what Melo wants to do.

ya, I'd give it the the next month before declaring tank. If we do tank, it's not because Melo is a b*tch, or the devil, or whatever it is that haters think that he is. Just didn't work out this yr. Melo era had some fun moments, and could've accomplished more with a smarter front office.

It's the truth but will never be the story. For some reason the same people who dislike DRose and Noah are blaming Melo for the losing. If you know they're not helping that much why is that his fault?

[Yankeeknickfan]

People too damn dumb to understand that this "Melo era" started way before Melo was even on our radar. That's how fuqed up this team is. All Melo has done is keep adjusting to new coaches, teammates and systems while carrying this sorry ass franchise the best he could while we traded away players that fit and failed to replace key vets. In the shadows we have Frank "BnO" Asshola reporting that that's all on Melo.

It's about to be all on KP...

Gee I wonder tf why

Because Mike Woodson was his best coach. D'antoni was the only fued. He don't hate Derek fisher. He didn't hate Kurt Ranbis( he probably did, but there were no reports f this. Also everybody else probably hates him) and he doesn't hate horny. If he does, he certainly isn't the only one with a problem.

[Knicksfan1992]

Benching Melo is a last resort and it would be front page sports news and cause a ton of drama. The real issue is Melo isn't the player he used to be and athletically challenged, just trade him instead of punishing him. He'll waive his NTC or he can accept a different role.

Blame Melo all you want and he certainly deserves some criticism but, at the end of the day he's being played out of position. Why does anyone expect a 33 year old Melo to stick guys at the most athletic position in the NBA? It's not going to happen. I don't see a lack of effort per se. I just see a guy who physically can't do what's being asked of him. I think Noah has to either be traded or benched. I like what he brings but, at this point KP at the 5 is the only solution for our defense. Not that I think he's necessarily ready for it and we're going to get absolutely murdered on the boards but, we simply can't have Melo chasing guys on the perimeter for the majority of the game. It's not working change something. I'd also play Ron Baker more.

[Deeeez Knicks]

It really isn’t all Melo’s fault. Management messed up on their own. That no-trade clause is looking worse and worse. We are probably gonna get pennies at this point if we can trade him at all. And then we will make some more quick fix moves and repeat the process all over again.

Different year, same Knicks. At least we have all our picks this time.

Really, the time to trade Melo was last offseason. But that was never going to happen.

[drekwins]

Benching Melo is a last resort and it would be front page sports news and cause a ton of drama. The real issue is Melo isn't the player he used to be and athletically challenged, just trade him instead of punishing him. He'll waive his NTC or he can accept a different role.

Blame Melo all you want and he certainly deserves some criticism but, at the end of the day he's being played out of position. Why does anyone expect a 33 year old Melo to stick guys at the most athletic position in the NBA? It's not going to happen. I don't see a lack of effort per se. I just see a guy who physically can't do what's being asked of him. I think Noah has to either be traded or benched. I like what he brings but, at this point KP at the 5 is the only solution for our defense. Not that I think he's necessarily ready for it and we're going to get absolutely murdered on the boards but, we simply can't have Melo chasing guys on the perimeter for the majority of the game. It's not working change something. I'd also play Ron Baker more.

Why not just bring Melo or KP off the bench? Pride? Egos? Playing KP at the 5 is just as bad as Melo at the 3. Either one can still get 30-35 min a game.

[god shammgod]

they can't trade noah. he's paid too much. the reason melo has to be play 3 is because we loaded up on 5s. they have to play two 5s together all the time because we don't even really have 4s. the reason all these things are happening is one person.

[bklynstoops]

Melo doesn't respect Hornecek. It's so obvious. He breaks plays and doesn't play hard on D. I don't get why Hornecek doesn't just bench him.

What coach has Melo liked?

I think Interim Woodson and .5 a season of real head coach Woodson. Then he ran him out of town (rightly)

D'Antoni - nope
Hornacek - apparently not
Fisher - no, but understandable
Rambis - nope, but he sucked
Woodson - briefly, then no

Am I missing someone?

Cmon. In no way shape or form did Melo run Woodson out and there are countless articles by so many outlets stating this. There are articles that say Woodson only made it through the entire 13-14 season because of Melo.

Didn't DFish get Dad Melo to come out? How is that chasing him out of town.

the only reason Melo backed Woodson was because he did exactly what Melo wanted. Let him iso all day and get the scoring title while switching on defense so he didn't have to work on the other end. He may have been worth it despite the passive aggressiveness, but he isn't anymore. The Melo era needs to die; perhaps along with the Phil era.

[Lotsix]

Benching Melo is a last resort and it would be front page sports news and cause a ton of drama. The real issue is Melo isn't the player he used to be and athletically challenged, just trade him instead of punishing him. He'll waive his NTC or he can accept a different role.

Blame Melo all you want and he certainly deserves some criticism but, at the end of the day he's being played out of position. Why does anyone expect a 33 year old Melo to stick guys at the most athletic position in the NBA? It's not going to happen. I don't see a lack of effort per se. I just see a guy who physically can't do what's being asked of him. I think Noah has to either be traded or benched. I like what he brings but, at this point KP at the 5 is the only solution for our defense. Not that I think he's necessarily ready for it and we're going to get absolutely murdered on the boards but, we simply can't have Melo chasing guys on the perimeter for the majority of the game. It's not working change something. I'd also play Ron Baker more.

expecting melo to stick guys? i dont expect him to stick anyone but i expect him to be within 4 feet of the guy he is defending. He has been god awful defensively, how t.f is serge buma** ibaka getting th best of him? this ma needs to go alone with noah, pluck KP at the 5

[KnickFan33]

[gfycat][/gfycat]

they can't trade noah. he's paid too much. the reason melo has to be play 3 is because we loaded up on 5s. they have to play two 5s together all the time because we don't even really have 4s. the reason all these things are happening is one person.

We could theoretically just switch Melo and KP's positions in the starting lineup just to see Melo at the 4 again. KP is stretch big as it is. I'm just not sure it would make that big a difference.

[god shammgod]

[gfycat][/gfycat]

they can't trade noah. he's paid too much. the reason melo has to be play 3 is because we loaded up on 5s. they have to play two 5s together all the time because we don't even really have 4s. the reason all these things are happening is one person.

We could theoretically just switch Melo and KP's positions in the starting lineup just to see Melo at the 4 again. KP is stretch big as it is. I'm just not sure it would make that big a difference.

you want kp to guard 3s ?

[Knicksfan1992]

Benching Melo is a last resort and it would be front page sports news and cause a ton of drama. The real issue is Melo isn't the player he used to be and athletically challenged, just trade him instead of punishing him. He'll waive his NTC or he can accept a different role.

Blame Melo all you want and he certainly deserves some criticism but, at the end of the day he's being played out of position. Why does anyone expect a 33 year old Melo to stick guys at the most athletic position in the NBA? It's not going to happen. I don't see a lack of effort per se. I just see a guy who physically can't do what's being asked of him. I think Noah has to either be traded or benched. I like what he brings but, at this point KP at the 5 is the only solution for our defense. Not that I think he's necessarily ready for it and we're going to get absolutely murdered on the boards but, we simply can't have Melo chasing guys on the perimeter for the majority of the game. It's not working change something. I'd also play Ron Baker more.

expecting melo to stick guys? i dont expect him to stick anyone but i expect him to be within 4 feet of the guy he is defending. He has been god awful defensively, how t.f is serge buma** ibaka getting th best of him? this ma needs to go alone with noah, pluck KP at the 5

All of your complaints have a direct correlation to Melo not being played in the right position.

[digitaldropoff]

Benching Melo is a last resort and it would be front page sports news and cause a ton of drama. The real issue is Melo isn't the player he used to be and athletically challenged, just trade him instead of punishing him. He'll waive his NTC or he can accept a different role.

Blame Melo all you want and he certainly deserves some criticism but, at the end of the day he's being played out of position. Why does anyone expect a 33 year old Melo to stick guys at the most athletic position in the NBA? It's not going to happen. I don't see a lack of effort per se. I just see a guy who physically can't do what's being asked of him. I think Noah has to either be traded or benched. I like what he brings but, at this point KP at the 5 is the only solution for our defense. Not that I think he's necessarily ready for it and we're going to get absolutely murdered on the boards but, we simply can't have Melo chasing guys on the perimeter for the majority of the game. It's not working change something. I'd also play Ron Baker more.

expecting melo to stick guys? i dont expect him to stick anyone but i expect him to be within 4 feet of the guy he is defending. He has been god awful defensively, how t.f is serge buma** ibaka getting th best of him? this ma needs to go alone with noah, pluck KP at the 5

LOL....because he's bigger, faster, stronger, and younger than Melo.

As for getting rid of Noah, you guys are stuck with him. I mean...you can ask him to sit at home or whatever, but the Knicks are stuff with his contract for three more years unless the CBA throws in an amnesty clause, which they aren't going to.

[KnickFan33]

[gfycat][/gfycat]

they can't trade noah. he's paid too much. the reason melo has to be play 3 is because we loaded up on 5s. they have to play two 5s together all the time because we don't even really have 4s. the reason all these things are happening is one person.

We could theoretically just switch Melo and KP's positions in the starting lineup just to see Melo at the 4 again. KP is stretch big as it is. I'm just not sure it would make that big a difference.

you want kp to guard 3s ?

That's what I'm saying. I don't think KP can consistently guard 3s. But if the thought process is Melo can guard 4s, then what do we really have to lose? How much worse could KP be at defending the position than Melo?

[Pjax4Prez]

Usually I try to find the optimistic view in these situations but I'm done. This team gives poor effort at least for a stint in every single game. At this point, I wouldn't be against the tank, because I don't think I can watch any more. I think the 17 win season was more bearable at times just because it was a bunch of untalented player giving effort. These guys have become too accomplished as individuals to come together as a team. Egos can't be check because they are too high. I'm finally down with trading Melo. Hopefully we can find a deal for him

It's not all his fault either, but it's become painfully obvious to me that he doesn't plan to adjust too much. Also on defense you have to assume that Melo is too athletically challenged or not interested on defense, and offensively he hasn't been good enough to warrant that deficiency.

[dakomish23]

Nah. The second we trade Melo suddenly everyone will start playing well. All of sudden Noah will make layups and DRose will be come a pass first PG. Jennings won't be a dumpster fire on PnR defense and LFT will start actually being a 3&D guy instead of doing his Kobe impression. All of sudden Jeff will realize Holiday is a perfect fit and start him and Sasha will be waived.

All this will happen the second Melo is gone. What an ass hole holding this team back all these years.

He was holding this team back when he lived in Baltimore....
Ewing didn't win a ring because of Melo!!!
Marbury went crazy because of Melo
Melo fuqed up H2O's knees.
Melo made us trade for Curry!!!!

You seriously don't think Melo is the main problem? If not I don't know what you're watching. When the guy gettting paid the most loses his guy all the damn time on defense then hogs the ball on offense, how do you think guys will react ?

We clearly don't aren't watching the same thing this year. Has he been his level of good this year? Emphatically NO. Is he the main reason why we are losing? Hellllll no, though I do think you can point to some games and say the L is on him.

Is it his fault DRose generally has 3-4x FGA to assist ratio? Is it his fault that Noah, who is clearly the worst and most untradeable contract in the NBA, missed layups and sometimes can't even get to the point of making a layup? Is it his fault that his coach will not play someone, only to start someone, then not play them (see Sasha the last 3 games) and doesn't have a set rotation in January?

There's a lot to lay at his feet. He's taken some really terrible shots out of rhythm. He's been mediocre at best at times on D and abysmal on that end a lot. He hasn't been as reliable a scorer night in night out. Easily the worst season of his career so far.

Still not foolish enough to believe you take him off this team and suddenly they take off. So many flaws across the board and the coach / FO refuses to play the rotation / guys that makes sense at the right positions. How is holiday not starting the last 4? Why is that Melo's fault?

I'll give it till January to pray they make the tough decisions, including sitting Melo when he's hurting the team, and get this team back on the winning path. If they don't, fire up the tanks and have the convo with Melo.

[dakomish23]

What coach has Melo liked?

I think Interim Woodson and .5 a season of real head coach Woodson. Then he ran him out of town (rightly)

D'Antoni - nope
Hornacek - apparently not
Fisher - no, but understandable
Rambis - nope, but he sucked
Woodson - briefly, then no

Am I missing someone?

Cmon. In no way shape or form did Melo run Woodson out and there are countless articles by so many outlets stating this. There are articles that say Woodson only made it through the entire 13-14 season because of Melo.

Didn't DFish get Dad Melo to come out? How is that chasing him out of town.

the only reason Melo backed Woodson was because he did exactly what Melo wanted. Let him iso all day and get the scoring title while switching on defense so he didn't have to work on the other end. He may have been worth it despite the passive aggressiveness, but he isn't anymore. The Melo era needs to die; perhaps along with the Phil era.

Thx for the corroboration that Melo DID NOT chase Woodson out of town

[Knicksfan1992]

they can't trade noah. he's paid too much. the reason melo has to be play 3 is because we loaded up on 5s. they have to play two 5s together all the time because we don't even really have 4s. the reason all these things are happening is one person.

Problem is KP is neither an effective 4 or 5 on defense. He can't get out to stretch 4's nor can he rebound effectively enough to be a 5 next to Melo at the 4. It's an issue that's going either unspoken on this board because no one wants to say it because it's KP or it's being flat out ignored. Until our 7 foot 3 guy can get double digit rebounds consistently we're going to be stuck with a chit defense that gives up way too many second chance points. And it has a trickle down effect on the rest of the personnel on defense. Just the reality of the situation.

[god shammgod]

the main problem is defense. melo's defense is not good. none of their defense is good. lee is supposed to be the guy who stops the best guard and he went under the screen every time on jodie f*cking meeks. the game was over right then.

[F N 11]

Nobody is blaming Melo for everything. However he is a major problem. Yall could sit there and defend him. Im tired of defending him. I made a post of how I was wrong about Melo, Rose, and Noah. Guys who I was hoping will get over the bashing and succeed here. It has not happened. So stop acting like I placed all blame on Melo.

[digitaldropoff]

they can't trade noah. he's paid too much. the reason melo has to be play 3 is because we loaded up on 5s. they have to play two 5s together all the time because we don't even really have 4s. the reason all these things are happening is one person.

Problem is KP is neither an effective 4 or 5 on defense. He can't get out to stretch 4's nor can he rebound effectively enough to be a 5 next to Melo at the 4. It's an issue that's going either unspoken on this board because no one wants to say it because it's KP or it's being flat out ignored. Until our 7 foot 3 guy can get double digit rebounds consistently we're going to be stuck with a chit defense that gives up way too many second chance points. And it has a trickle down effect on the rest of the personnel on defense. Just the reality of the situation.

KP's inabilities are tied directly to his strength and conditioning. He's physically gifted, but he's a rail, and he simply needs to get stronger. He can't get too bulky....but if he doesn't add strength, it will hurt his defense and rebounding, on top of the wear and tear of heavy minutes on a slight body.