Knicks · Anthony "I bought into the system" (page 1)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/wr...

NEW YORK -- We have all had some fun with the Knicks this season, haven't we?

We've snickered at team management for the protracted Carmelo Anthony negotiations, talks that played out in the public eye and ended with maligned owner James Dolan injecting himself into the process at the eleventh hour to get the deal done.

We've written and speculated thousands of times that maybe, just maybe, Mike D'Antoni's free wheeling offense doesn't suit ball-stopping players like Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

We've wondered whether the cross river Nets -- who have declared a border war with their neighbors -- made the better trade deadline deal when they poached All-Star point guard Deron Williams from the Jazz for less than what they were offering Denver for Anthony.

Indeed, the Knicks have provided great fodder for columnists and commentators alike this season. They still are, too, only now they are doing it in a different way. See, the last three weeks have revealed a surprising truth.

The Knicks are pretty good.

New York lost to Chicago 103-90 on Tuesday. It meant nothing, of course. The Knicks, who are locked into the No. 6 seed, didn't dress Amar'e Stoudemire while the Bulls, who are neck-and-neck with San Antonio for the NBA's best record, played Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng until the final buzzer.

What is noteworthy, however, is the way the Knicks have played before Tuesday night. They won seven straight going into the matchup with Chicago and though the competition hasn't exactly been stiff -- Orlando, Philadelphia and Indiana were the only playoff teams on the list -- the beatings they have been laying on teams have been impressive. They averaged 115.7 points per game during the streak, topping 120 three times.

What's changed? Anthony, for one. 'Melo has always been a bit streaky and right now, he's riding a hot one. Anthony averaged 32 points in the Knicks last seven wins while shooting a blistering 47.9 percent from the three-point line. After struggling to adapt to D'Antoni's offense early, Anthony has embraced it.

"I am flowing," Anthony said. "I bought into [the system]."

While Anthony has grown accustomed to his teammates, his teammates have adjusted to playing with him. It wasn't easy swapping out Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler for Anthony and Billups. The transition has been bumpy. But slowly, it seems, the Knicks have started to develop some chemistry. Role players like Landry Fields, Toney Douglas and Shawne Williams have figured out how to play off their new high profile teammates.

"We're starting to figure out how to close out games," said Douglas. "We're getting stops when we need them and we're taking care of the ball. The little things, like not being in the bonus, is going to be a key for us in the playoffs."

Ah, the playoffs. New York will make its return to the postseason for the first time since 2004 this weekend, against Boston. Privately, the Celtics wanted this matchup. They are hoping the Knicks anemic defense will give their equally anemic offense a jolt and the intensity of a New York-Boston series will stir the competitive juices that have been dormant since the Kendrick Perkins trade in February.

The Knicks want it, too. They have lost three straight to the Celtics -- the series finale is an utterly meaningless JV game the two teams will play Wednesday night in Boston -- but two have been by four points or less and the third, a 10-point loss last month, was a game New York dominated for three quarters before choking the game away in the fourth.

"Right now we are playing with a lot more confidence," Anthony said. "That winning streak came at a great time going into the playoffs."

It's hard to predict how the Knicks will perform in the postseason. Boston is a veteran team with three straight years of deep playoff runs on its resume. New York has players with lengthy postseason resumes -- namely Billups, Anthony and Stoudemire -- but the bulk of the roster is largely inexperienced. Billups says the younger players will have to "follow the veterans" and spend the next few days with a no nonsense attitude in the film room. But it's a lot to ask for a team that was assembled on the fly seven weeks ago to oust a team of Boston's caliber.

Still, just getting to this point is an accomplishment. The Knicks are riding high heading into the postseason. Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

"I've never gone into a playoff where I thought it was all right if we lose," said Knicks president Donnie Walsh. "I can say this though: this team, I'm happy they are in the playoffs because it will be a big moment for them and their future."

Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

Basically Anthony bought into chucking 3s and he's having success but like all numbers they'll come to their eventuality. Anthony much like this team will live and die by the 3 he won't be immune to it.

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

get me Okafor

"I am flowing," Anthony said. "I bought into [the system]."

So if a player is working harder on defense is that also part of the "System"?

The ball movement is much better. YOu can see it in the first half.

We lost to a very very good team last nite who is still on a mission.

Our roster needs some pieces but if MDA got his star players in synch thats a job well done by any measure.

Winning season, 6th seed, another star in place and we got us a playoff serie.

Keep Isiah out and I'd say its been a great TRANSITION season for the NY Knicks!!!!!!

Juice wrote:Basically Anthony bought into chucking 3s and he's having success but like all numbers they'll come to their eventuality. Anthony much like this team will live and die by the 3 he won't be immune to it.

Yea. I dont want to see him jacking 3's. If he is feeling it then yea other wise no.

AnubisADL wrote:

Juice wrote:Basically Anthony bought into chucking 3s and he's having success but like all numbers they'll come to their eventuality. Anthony much like this team will live and die by the 3 he won't be immune to it.

Yea. I dont want to see him jacking 3's. If he is feeling it then yea other wise no.

This system isn't designed for someone to second guess jacking 3s. You take open 3s if you have them, no matter the time on the clock. If Melo has the ball in the low block D'AnToni doesn't want him driving it a whole lot..... he wants a quick shot/pass to cutter/or ball reversal to weakside to a 3pt shooter preferably.

Yesterday we saw Anthony jacking 3s and barreling over players on drives. He got hacked a couple of times no call but still

My gosh were Walker and Douglas in chuck mode...not sure if anyone has noticed how many of our perimeter players actually take midrange shots(rarely if ever). I believe Fields is the only one conscious of this of course along with Melo operating in his office(midrange area). I saw Williams/Walker/Douglas/Carter all yesterday pass up midrange/deep 2s to step back and take a horrible 3. You can tell they are being told to do this.

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

And then we play Anthony Carter 48 minutes at the point? Not sure I get how that works. I think we are still in play to try to yank CP3 from the Hornets. Most likely we will also get back OK4, which would be fine.

Nalod wrote:

"I am flowing," Anthony said. "I bought into [the system]."

So if a player is working harder on defense is that also part of the "System"?

The ball movement is much better. YOu can see it in the first half.

We lost to a very very good team last nite who is still on a mission.

Our roster needs some pieces but if MDA got his star players in synch thats a job well done by any measure.

Winning season, 6th seed, another star in place and we got us a playoff serie.

Keep Isiah out and I'd say its been a great TRANSITION season for the NY Knicks!!!!!!

Word. Very successful season, even though we didn't get to 45 wins.

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

get me Okafor

OK4 is barely 6'9'' tall. If you want to target a center Chris Kaman would be ideal for the Knicks.

Juice wrote:Basically Anthony bought into chucking 3s and he's having success but like all numbers they'll come to their eventuality. Anthony much like this team will live and die by the 3 he won't be immune to it.

yes.. you nailed. MDA just said "hey Melo.. all I care about is you chucking up 3s"

Melo's career is 2.5 threes a game. With the Knicks he's shooting 4.5

TWO more 3 pt attempts a game above his career and he's shooting > 40%

Great analysis

I dont even love MDA. He's a good coach in this league and has proven that. He's been OK with the Knicks. Some good, some bad. He was handed an entirely new roster with different kind of players than his previous team with 8 weeks in the season and after some very poor play the Knicks win 7 in a row and are playing very good ball heading into the playoffs and still you guys just make up crap about how he coaches and ignore anything based on reality. I dont get the hate. Is it the stache?

Don't worry...
If the Knicks lose in Rd 1 after not being int he playoffs for 7 years, some people will call for D'Antoni's head.

But if.. or more likely WHEN Denver loses to OKC in rd 1 they will be afforded any and every excuse in the book.

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

get me Okafor

I would do that, even if CP3 doesnt come back.

Billups, Fields and Turiaf for OK4 and Ariza. Maybe give them some cash. That gives NO a ton of flexibility moving forward. They are paying Ariza/OK4 about $18mm a year plus for the next 3-4 years. Its too much for them. This would save them a ton of money and Billups could move to SG at this point no problem.

Knicks get EXACTLY the kind of role players they need to be elite
PG Douglas
SG Ariza
SF Melo
PF Stat
C Ok4
whole lotta defense and rebounding around Melo/Stat... two of the top 10 scorers in the league.

I would be pretty pumped about that.

Maybe draft a PG and use the MLE on a guy like Reggie Evans or even Michael Redd

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

get me Okafor

I would do that, even if CP3 doesnt come back.

Billups, Fields and Turiaf for OK4 and Ariza. Maybe give them some cash. That gives NO a ton of flexibility moving forward. They are paying Ariza/OK4 about $18mm a year plus for the next 3-4 years. Its too much for them. This would save them a ton of money and Billups could move to SG at this point no problem.

Knicks get EXACTLY the kind of role players they need to be elite
PG Douglas
SG Ariza
SF Melo
PF Stat
C Ok4
whole lotta defense and rebounding around Melo/Stat... two of the top 10 scorers in the league.

I would be pretty pumped about that.

Maybe draft a PG and use the MLE on a guy like Reggie Evans or even Michael Redd

oh interesting lineup. I could roll with that.

I'm very pleased with how the team is coming along. Very glad that STAT is getting rest so he can be back at 100% for the playoffs. We haven't seen this team at 100% peak performance yet but I have a feeling that it's going to be very good when we go up against Boston. I don't think Boston is the same threat they've been. Yeah they're better than us, but IMO not THAT much better that it's a clear win for them. The C's are gonna have to earn this series if they want it.

I expect this team to push the C's to the edge and possibly over it. This version of the Knicks is much more in synch than the team that Boston beat. I saw a lot more animation out of D'Antoni last night too. He was slapping 5 with TD and AC after good defensive plays. You can see Mike is into this and can't wait to be in a playoff series again. This is gonna be fun.

martin wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

get me Okafor

I would do that, even if CP3 doesnt come back.

Billups, Fields and Turiaf for OK4 and Ariza. Maybe give them some cash. That gives NO a ton of flexibility moving forward. They are paying Ariza/OK4 about $18mm a year plus for the next 3-4 years. Its too much for them. This would save them a ton of money and Billups could move to SG at this point no problem.

Knicks get EXACTLY the kind of role players they need to be elite
PG Douglas
SG Ariza
SF Melo
PF Stat
C Ok4
whole lotta defense and rebounding around Melo/Stat... two of the top 10 scorers in the league.

I would be pretty pumped about that.

Maybe draft a PG and use the MLE on a guy like Reggie Evans or even Michael Redd

oh interesting lineup. I could roll with that.

Dougas as a starting PG this year: 14ppg, 6 assist, 1.5 TOs 53% FGs

I believe in this guy. He doesnt have to be a star, but he can score, handle the ball, set up teammates and plays great defense. He's tough and competes and I think can be a legit 3rd scoring option. He's not a great floor general but neither was Billups for that matter. He fits the mold of what I want to surround Melo/stat with... tough defensive lunch pale blue collar type guys.

fishmike wrote:

Rookie wrote:

fishmike wrote:

CashMoney wrote: Year 3 of what seemed like an impossible rebuilding plan in 2008 has been a success and at the very least New York will have something to build on for next season.

these playoffs are so important. I hate having Boston. I think its the worst draw for us to advance, something we really need to do.

I think the big thing is if we have a big series from a couple guys... maybe Douglas, or even a guy like Turiaf, I'm looking at a couple nice young role players to package w/ Billups's huge expiring contract (Assuming we pick up option) for some depth around Melo and Amare.

get me Okafor

I would do that, even if CP3 doesnt come back.

Billups, Fields and Turiaf for OK4 and Ariza. Maybe give them some cash. That gives NO a ton of flexibility moving forward. They are paying Ariza/OK4 about $18mm a year plus for the next 3-4 years. Its too much for them. This would save them a ton of money and Billups could move to SG at this point no problem.

Knicks get EXACTLY the kind of role players they need to be elite
PG Douglas
SG Ariza
SF Melo
PF Stat
C Ok4
whole lotta defense and rebounding around Melo/Stat... two of the top 10 scorers in the league.

I would be pretty pumped about that.

Maybe draft a PG and use the MLE on a guy like Reggie Evans or even Michael Redd

You are depleting my team for garbage. This is worse than the Melo trade and you cried foul for that trade. Fields is better than Ariza and OK4 is small you address nothing by adding OK4. Having Douglass playing PG wow man, Douglass hasn't seen a three he didn't like, you almost can sense when he is going to jack a three watch him and see when he dribbles and dribbles holding the ball you know a three is going to be jacked. OK4 will drive you nuts when he is missing free throws. Bad trade all the way around.

Depleting your team for garbage? Turiaf is gone, Fields isnt the athlete or defensive player Ariza and never will be, because he's not the athlete and Billups will be 50 next week. Cheap role players like that are easy to come by.

Big man who get double doubles every night, shoot > 50% and block tons of shots and defend the post are NOT easy to come by.

OK4 is 6'10, 260 pounds and has a 7'4 winspan.

Bad trade? Who is the center your putting next to Amare? Do tell

Vmart wrote:You are depleting my team for garbage. This is worse than the Melo trade and you cried foul for that trade. Fields is better than Ariza and OK4 is small you address nothing by adding OK4. Having Douglass playing PG wow man, Douglass hasn't seen a three he didn't like, you almost can sense when he is going to jack a three watch him and see when he dribbles and dribbles holding the ball you know a three is going to be jacked. OK4 will drive you nuts when he is missing free throws. Bad trade all the way around.

Billups shoots 6 a game. Toney shoots 4.5
OK is 6'10 with a 7'4 winspan, defends the post, blocks shots and doesnt need the ball and scores at over 50%
Ariza is one of the best wing defenders in the league

Sorry dude... this addresses ALL our needs.

another endorsement of big coach mike

coach mike for president