Sitting in the Garden during last night’s 4th Quarter, I slowly watched the Knicks unravel, and the annointed “intelligent” fan base turn their backs on their team. All I would hear is Melo this, Melo that, and honestly, that was the least of the Knicks problems. In the cab ride home from the game, my girlfriend was wise enough to point to what I believe is the most glaring difference between the two teams. She said “the Heat are just too fast for the Knicks.” Honestly, she is right. While 19,000+ fans choose to blame Melo for a 13th straight franchise loss in the playoffs, the Knicks just aren’t up to par with the Heat from a physicality and shot-making standpoint.
I am not a Melo apologist. The man deserves blame in this whole ordeal. The entire Knicks franchise deserves blame. From upper management, to the last player on the bench. They simply aren’t getting the job done. Melo has shot 22-64 (34%) in the first three games of the series. That is not acceptable from the our star player. But at the same time, he has been averaging 40:36 minutes per game while guarding, and being guarded by, the most physically dominant player in the NBA, LeBron James. While he shouldn’t be expected to win this head to head matchup, he certainly was expected to go toe to toe with the guy.
But Melo hasn’t been the only let down. We have seen our coach, who didn’t lose one back to back game after taking over for Mike D’Antoni, fail to make adjustments all series long. He has had trouble drawing up sets that gets our “shooters” better shots. The Heat D has suffocated our offense all series long, holding us to an average of 77 points per game these first 3 games. We have yet to see defensive adjustments to protect the 3 point line, surrendering 28 3-pointers in the series. I would have liked to see us try a zone at some point, as this has proven effective against this Heat team at times in the past. But adjustments weren’t made. At least not in my eyes. Woodson is now 2-15 in the playoffs, suffering mostly blowouts. This stat should only intensify the Phil Jackson rumors this summer, and honestly, justifiably so.
The supporting cast hasn’t stepped up either this series. Shooting 63-152 (41%) over three games, it is evident the Knicks lack the shot-makers necessary to match the physicality of the Heat. While the Knicks were undoubtedly hampered by injuries this playoffs, Miami is the new benchmark in the Eastern Conference and the roster must be upgraded. Players seemed to be overwhelmed by the speed of Miami’s defense. Steve Novak scored 9 points on only three 3′s. It may be tough for him to find his shot and play in rhythm at this level of play. Just ask Jeremy Lin about how fast and physical the Heat can be.
With that said, the Knicks front office must take this as a lesson learned, and look to improve the roster starting this summer. Without a first round pick, and the reality that we will be losing our most competent role player in free agency who has the natural ability to match up with Miami in JR Smith, Grunwald and friends must get creative. Expect EVERYONE to be available. Expect loads of rumors. I expect Amare to be shopped around the league to see if anyone is willing to take his contract. One deal I would flirt with, would be shopping him to Washington, who are desperately trying to become relevant again, for Rashard Lewis’ expiring contract (could help floor spacing and give the Knicks flexibility for 2013-14).
Like I said, Phil Jackson will probably be the most popular name in the newspapers this offseason, but the roster NEEDS more help. The Knicks must add more athleticism. I would expect them to try to build around Melo, Chandler, Shumpert and probably Lin. With those four in place, the roster desperately needs shot makers and active bigs. Shot makers to me means not only catch and shoot shooters, but also guys who can create off the dribble, penetrate into the lane, and hit tough shots. Miami is going to force teams to hit tough shots every year en route to the Finals. Right now, New York does not have enough players with this ability. Management will also need to find some cheap young bigs to match up with Miami’s athleticism. We desperately need big active bodies who can rebound, run the floor, block shots and finish around the hoop, while also allowing us to monitor Tyson’s minutes going forward. Think Taj Gibson and Jordan Hill (wait, what?). With proper research, one can only hope we can address one of these with the 45th pick in the upcoming draft, but that is far from a given.
As always, it is never a dull moment in Knick-land. That trend should only continue and intensify all summer long. Get ready and buckle up; it should be a helluva ride. Until then, let’s try to steal a game Sunday, end our playoff winless drought, and go out with some pride. Although some fans expected more, we are far, far away from Miami’s level, so pride is all we got right now. Go out with a bang and then make the necessary adjustments in the offseason. PROGRESS must be made; the clock has ticked for way too long.
Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling)
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