The Knicks started this off season with a full circle revamp of the team that started the season last year. ¿Que? You say? Rasheed Wallace entered the start of last season as the stretch 4 that perfectly balanced the front court. Melo essentially was allowed to score inside and out, while Chandler lurked for opportunities with the pick and roll and clean up dunks. When you talk about stretch 4, Andrea Bargnani is the poster boy for that term. He's not a elite post defender like Sheed, but he brings offensive talent similar to what he did in the past. Rebounding is about the same as well because historically Rasheed was never a big rebounder. Bargnani will give you 5 a game. With coaching and playing with better talent around him, maybe he can improve in that category for the Knicks. Bargnani, Melo, and Chandler up front is very good especially considering A'mare in the equation off the bench. The knicks have Alot of question marks concerning health with all four players. If they can play a considerable part of the season together, the knicks will be very good next year.
Enter Shumpert. "Rook" is no more. The kid is a three year nba veteran. He showed flashes in the playoffs but he needs to shine this year and take in the role that Jason Kidd had at the start of last year. He's got to hit the open 3 and help Raymond Felton lead the team. Shump will play point guard in summer league so he must take that experience into the year because Felton can't do it by himself. Felton's biggest knock is his self hate. He gets too down on himself and allows the referees to get into his head. That in turn corrupts the team. In a recent video posted to the "bleacher report" site, Shump talked about doing a better job of policing themselves. That's the point guards job. If the knicks can't get a guy in here to do that, someone has to do it in house. Shump should take that into his own hands. If he wants to win like he says he needs to take that leadership role.
Of the bench, the knicks look competitive. A'mare whether he likes it or not will be in minutes restriction the rest of his career. He's still highly talented and will do well as a sixth man. Tim Hardaway Junior well contribute right away. Kid can shoot, he's poised and athletic. Cj Leslie will factor in behind Melo as well. With the talent available in free agency the knicks will definitely find suitable subs at the back up center and pg spots.
As the Bargnani trade suggests, anything can happen in this league via trade. The knicks could very well tack on two rotation players with Tyson contact. There's a market for Felton and Shump a well. Stay tuned as they say and stay classy. Never estimate the power of positivity.
Good take. Everyone has been way too negative on this trade. I think Bargnani will be re-invigorated by being in NY and playing in meaningful games with talented teammates. People should remember that Chauncy Billips was considered a total bust until he found his game in Detroit. It can happen.
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