The Knicks traded away some okay players to get Carmelo Anthony and some okay players. Carmelo Anthony is a superstar in his prime and wanted to go to the Knicks--he stated that publicly--so I guess you have to make that trade.
When the Knicks lost out on the LeBron James sweepstakes they felt like they had to settle for superstar Amare Stoudamire. Amare has elevated the team not so much into contention, but definitely out of irrelevance. They should make the playoffs this year, and probably would have with just Amare. Right now they're two games over .500, but, let's not forget that that's ten to twelve games better than last year.
What the 'Melo trade does for the Knicks is gives them a powerful duo, and, more importantly for next year, makes them attractive for the saervices of a possible free agent point gaurd, the one position that, if filled with an above average talent, could push the Knicks into title contention. I believe they have their eyes on the New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul, who could opt out of his contract and possibly sign with the Knicks. Now that team--Amare, 'Melo and Chris Paul--that team would be in the conversation and could legitmately beat the Celtics, Heat, Lakers, and Spurs.
I'm in Sacramento this week where the talk is of the Kings move to Anaheim... because the LA area needs another bad basketball team?? seems not even Sacramento afford a bad basketball team... those "poor" owners are having problems and if they don't get a fancy new arena they are going to leave with their millions.... oh well I don't understand how city government can justify millions in a new stadium and penny here and penny there tax increases to pay for those things while cutting vital services to women and children and the elderly... guess we just don't count... perhaps Gaddafi would help out????
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