What is going on with the Knicks? Somebody remind Carmelo he's supposed to be our Messiah. Since acquiring Anthony, the Knicks are a dreadful 7-12. On the other hand, the Nuggets are a surprising 11-4 since the trade. New York has lost six in a row and nine of their last ten. As of now, their record stands at 35-38. They would be out of the playoff picture if it wasn't for the deplorable bottom half of the Eastern Conference. Somehow, that record would be good enough for a seven seed and a playoff ticket if the season were to end today.
It seems like George Karl, the coach of the Nuggets, has his own ideas concerning the Knicks' struggles and the Nuggets' successes. After the trade, Karl told TNT: "Defense is commitment. I've got young guys and if they don't give me the commitment, I've got other guys who will give me the commitment. The system sometimes ties you up from getting the commitment. You have to handle what Melo gives you. I'm not knocking Melo, he is a great offensive player. Melo is the best offensive player I've ever coached, but his defensive focus, his demand of himself is what frustrated us more than anything."
Anthony is not the most well-rounded player to ever grace the basketball hardwood. As Karl said, he is a phenomenal offensive talent who can seemingly score at will. But he lacks in the defensive department. Chauncey Billups, who the Knicks also acquired from the Nuggets, has won a championship in the NBA and is well-known for his leadership, poise, and clutch shot-making. His nickname around the league is "Mr. Big Shot." Despite all of this, Billups has glaring defensive weaknesses as well.
Before the trade, New York was already one of the worst defensive teams in the league. The Knicks gained a lot by acquiring Melo and Billups, but they are no better defensively with those two. If anything, they are worse. On top of that, they have struggled offensively the last few weeks. When you combine these two factors, it makes sense why the Knicks have lost six in a row and nine of their last ten.
Understandably, New Yorkers are beginning to panic and second-guess. All this losing is certainly cause for concern but there is no reason to overreact. Yes, the Knicks are playing atrociously. But nobody in their right mind thought they would win a championship this year anyway. They are a lock to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. This will be a great experience for the team and long-suffering fans.
The Knicks are struggling chemistry-wise. This should come as no surprise since the recent trade dramatically shook up their roster. The team concept is more prevalent in basketball than any other sport. Anthony and Billups are playing in D'Antoni's offensive-minded system for the first time in their careers. It will take some time for them to adjust to the new style and build a rapport with their new coaches and teammates. Eventually, everything will begin to click. At least offensively. As long as D'Antoni is running the show, defense will never be given the attention it deserves.
Understandably, New Yorkers are beginning to panic and second-guess. All this losing is certainly cause for concern but there is no reason to overreact. Yes, the Knicks are playing atrociously. But nobody in their right mind thought they would win a championship this year anyway. They are a lock to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. This will be a great experience for the team and long-suffering fans.
The Knicks are struggling chemistry-wise. This should come as no surprise since the recent trade dramatically shook up their roster. The team concept is more prevalent in basketball than any other sport. Anthony and Billups are playing in D'Antoni's offensive-minded system for the first time in their careers. It will take some time for them to adjust to the new style and build a rapport with their new coaches and teammates. Eventually, everything will begin to click. At least offensively. As long as D'Antoni is running the show, defense will never be given the attention it deserves.
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