Knicks in Complete Turmoil
Dwight Howard makes it look easy against Amar'e Stoudemire and Jared Jeffries in a recent Knicks loss. Photo: Mark Hulser
The New York Knicks were supposed to be championship contenders this season, but unfortunately for their fans, it has been a disappointing start to the season. During the offseason, General Manager Glen Grunwald decided to establish a defensive presence on the coaching staff. He chose to hire Mike Woodson as the “defensive guru,” which was quoted by Knicks Head Coach Mike D’Antoni before the season started. There has been little improvement. As of yesterday, the Knicks were allowing 95.14 points per game, which is 17th in the NBA. Also, opponents are shooting at a 45% clip from inside the arc and nearly 40% from behind the arc. All three statistics surpass what the Knicks have produced on their end.
Can the real Carmelo Anthony please stand up?
Carmelo Anthony chats with the referee, but unfortunately, that will not really help his game. Photo: Mark Hulser
Small Forward Carmelo Anthony has been a very poor shooter as of late. In nearly every game, he has shot 40% or less from the field. Even in wins, most recently against the Bobcats in Charlotte, he went 0 for 7 from the field and finished with one point. It has been disputed that because of the lockout, he has not found his groove. Carmelo is shooting a paltry 40.3% from the field, about 6% less than his career average. Yet, he still gets a starting spot in this year’s All-Star game. So the question remains, where is Carmelo Anthony?
Just a Bunch of Benchwarmers
Bill Walker takes time to stop for the fans outside Madison Square Garden before a recent game. Photo: Mark Hulser
When Power Forward Amar’e Stoudemire and Center Tyson Chandler come off the floor, it seems as if the Knicks are bringing people from the concession stands to play as reserves. Shooting Guard Bill Walker, Power Forward Jared Jeffries, Small Forward Renaldo Balkman, Center Jerome Jordan and all the other bench players are just plain awful. They may be very fan friendly outside the Garden before games, but that does not excuse them from their pitiful performances. The Knicks as of today have 8 wins and 14 losses; regardless if there was a lockout or not, they need to turn it around as soon as possible. Otherwise, the fans will stop showing up like a few years ago and this time they may not come back.
