I remember growing up in the 90s and watching all the great Knick games back when Patrick Ewing roamed the Madison Square Garden floor and Spike Lee and Reggie Miller had some less than friendly conversations. The New York Knickerbockers changed as soon the 90s became the 00s and a decade of horrendous basketball followed. Finally, as the 00s turned into the 10s, it seems as if basketball is relevant in New York once again.
The signing of free agent Amar'e Stoudemire has completely reversed the losing feel of the Knicks and New York has surged to a 16-10 start a quarter of the way through the season. After an eight game winning streak where Stoudemire scored 30 or more points in each game, the Knicks finally lost to the Boston Celtics in a Garden classic Wednesday night. Boston's Paul Pierce said before the game that it wasn't a real rivalry because the Knicks have been so bad the last decade, but everything changed as the Knicks earned some much deserved respect losing on Pierce's last second game winner. After the game he said, "The Knicks have arrived."
Yes, the Knicks certainly have arrived. There is a buzz around the city and in the Garden that
hasn't been felt in a very long time. Amar'e is playing better than any player in the league and is an early candidate for league MVP. The Garden is the place to be once again as tickets are getting harder to get and celebrities once again inhabit celebrity row. Spike Lee was court side as always and even he was whooping it up like it was the 90s. After a decade of suffering, it feels good be to a Knick fan once again.
As much as I want to enjoy the winning, it's impossible to ignore a certain player that wears number 15 and plays in the state of Colorado. Brooklyn native and Syracuse alum, Carmelo Anthony, is who I speak of, of course. He has already stated that he wants to be traded from Denver to New York, but many Knick fans have been debating how much he is worth. There is no doubt that Carmelo is one of the top five players in the NBA and an elite perimeter scorer but is he worth giving up Wilson Chandler, Danillo Galinari, or rookie Landry fields. Most likely the Knicks will lose at least two of those players, plus more, if they want to trade for Carmelo. The Knicks could wait for the summer to sign Carmelo as a free agent but there would be even further complications if they wait. As much as I love the young talent the Knicks have, if they have the chance to get Carmelo, they should get him. Just like Miami and Boston have done, the Knicks need to add another superstar to their lineup to compliment Amar'e. With the inside play of Amar'e and the perimeter presence of Anthony, the Knicks would be an immediate title contender.
Also, it's important to point out how great point guard Raymond Felton has played this season. It took awhile to click, but Felton and Amar'e have been running the pick and roll just as well as Amar'e did it with Steve Nash in Phoenix. Just thinking about the leading threesome of Amar'e, Felton, and Carmelo is enough to make me salivate as a fan.
The Knicks play Miami on Friday night, and the Garden will be rocking as LeBron James comes to town for the first time since he jilted the Knicks on the Decision. No matter the outcome, there is no doubt that the buzz is back, the Knicks are fun once again. Hell, even my Mom was watching the Boston game on Wednesday, and when a game passes the Mom Test, you know it's good.
well said Jared
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