Every night it seems like the Knicks play a team that features either free agents who turned them down or who will be the subject of non-stop speculation in the coming seasons as to weather or not they might become Knicks.
Tonight is Chris Paul's turn. Paul made some gossipy headlines last summer when he supposedly made a toast at Carmelo's wedding to forming a new big three made up of him, Melo and Amare in 2012. Even though he later said it was a joke (and who really means what they say in wedding toasts? No one ever says "I give this marriage 3 years tops"), 2 thirds of that has come true already so it's only natural that all eyes will be on CP3 for the next year or so until he either forces a trade like Carmelo or signs somewhere else.
Paul's numbers are down this season (just last night he got dominated by Jose Calderon) and that could be attributed to a few things. He's been a little banged up lately and he may be slowed by injury but, to me at least, he doesn't seem to really have his heart with the Hornets this season. He tried to force a trade before this season started, supposedly unhappy with the lack of big moves made by the team, and now, despite their hot start, New Orleans has settled into a middle of the road team in the West. They're not bad, but definitely aren't going to compete for a conference title with the Spurs or Lakers. (Maybe that's the reason for the expression he has on his face up there). I think a move to new digs could light that spark in Paul that's been missing. Should be an interesting (and annoying) year of non-stop rumors.
Knicks hand the Hornets their 3rd straight loss tonight in a close one.
I think Paul's down year(for his standards anyway) can be attributed to a lack of motivation as well as what happened to his left knee last year. Ever since he had surgery on it, he seems to have lost a bit of his explosiveness and quickness. He's still an elite point guard, but no longer the 'best' in the league.
ReplyDeleteAs for tonight's game, the Knicks could be in trouble tonight with Billups out. He's their only legit play maker. Let's face it, Douglas is a shooting guard in a point guard's body. He relies way too much on outside shooting. He's prone to making horrible passes and lacks the court vision to be a good backup point. If his shot isn't falling tonight, I could see this game getting real ugly. Hopefully, this isn't going to be a lingering injury that keeps Billups out for an extended period of time.
Shank
well so far so good with Douglas..hopefully Chauncey mentors him well. still too much inconsistency
ReplyDeleteChris Paul, his mind be gone
ReplyDeleteTo the Knicks.
ReplyDeleteChris, you suck these days. What gives?
ReplyDeleteToney Douglas with another big game. Mad Scientist might be on to something... too bad Douglas and Fields play the same position, they'd be an okay 1-2.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Mozgov finally got some playing time. In 10 minutes he had 6 points and 4 rebounds.
Toney is a point guard not a shooting guard.
ReplyDeleteYeah but he sucks as a point guard. He's a pure scorer, so he would be better at the 2.
ReplyDelete