This may be difficult, but put aside the Carmelo Anthony drama for a moment. Another pressing issue the Knicks must address is whether Mike D'Antoni should be their long-term coach. Is he capable, with his over-reliance on offense, of coaching a team to a championship? He has proven he can have regular season success, twice winning 60 plus games with the Phoenix Suns. The playoffs, however, tell an entirely different story. He has been out-coached time and time again and his juggernaut offenses have been contained by staunch defenses.
As of February 16, the Knicks' record stands at a mediocre 27-26. They've allowed 106.1 points per game, which ranks 29th in the league. This team has substantial talent and is certainly capable of a more respectable record. They are not playing up to their potential and most of the blame should be placed on D'Antoni's shoulders.
The Miami Heat are going to be a superpower in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Even if the Knicks acquire Carmelo, they aren't going to have much success trying to out-offense Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. They would be better off with a coach who values gritty defense and physical play above scoring and finesse.
The Knicks are one dimensional under Mike D'Antoni. They have no backup plan on nights their offense is stuttering. In the playoffs, they wouldn't stand a chance against elite teams with a more balanced attack. Their speed, flare, and scoring prowess help to sell tickets and entertain crowds. Let's be honest, nobody minds watching a basketball game with Pee Wee level defense being played. Steals and blocks seldom make the SportsCenter Top Ten plays list.
But how far will this style take the Knicks? The long-term goal should be championships. Defense is the first step that should be taken when working towards this goal. Carmelo or no Carmelo, the Knicks have a long way to go in that respect.
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