A look back on the Melo’ trade, the Celtics stay hot in a wild finish, and is there a savior in New York? Who are the leagues best players? And World Peace everybody!
The ‘Melo Deal
Danilo Gallinari fade away (flckr by djblec01)
Denver Nuggets (15-9) received: Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, 2014 Knick’s first round pick, Warrior’s 2012, 2013 second round pick, $3 million
New York Knicks (9-15) received: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Anthony Carter, Renaldo Balkman
The records since: NY Knicks 22-33 (including 4 post season losses) Denver is 33-20 (4 post season losses, 1 win).
For NY, only Balkman (8.5 mins per game) and Carmelo remain from the deal. Although they have improved from being the league’s worse, just being competitive to sell tickets won’t fly in New York. As of now the Knicks would miss the playoffs (1.5 games back).
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are one of the best teams in the Western Conference (4th), and improving. Galanari has been impressive (17+ PPG, 5+ RPG, 2+ APG). The Nuggets are young and have potential to get better in the future (2 draft picks coming from a struggling Warrior franchise, and one from Knicks).
George Karl was “glad it’s [Melo spotlight] over”.
I think it is fair to judge this trade now. The Knicks do not look competitive. Their best players are past their prime (Melo, Amare Stoudamire, Tyson Chandler, Baron Davis, Mike Bibby), they aren’t getting better. This was a bad trade for them. Sure, the Madison Square Garden is sold out every night, but the records speak for themselves. I would rather have Galanari (23 years) than Melo (27 years), and the Knicks are missing a true PG such as Raymond Felton.
Melo basically forced his way to NY. What were the Nuggets supposed to do? They wanted some return for Melo since he made it clear he wanted to go to New York.
Was NY supposed to pass on the Brooklyn native against the will of their fans? No, Melo simply imposed his will to get what HE wanted.
This is the perfect example where the NBA is now. We are seeing it happen again with Dwight Howard. You may hate LeBron James, but at least he finished out his contract. He was loyal to the team that drafted him until he was no longer contractually obligated. Star players will continue to handcuff franchises like Melo and Howard. Too bad the owners couldn’t solve this ongoing issue in the new CBA.
Where Amazing Happens
Boston Celtics (13-10) win a crazy one at home against the Knicks. Rajon Rando returned only to get a black eye in the first quarter. Kevin Garnett got his 10,000 career rebound. In the final minutes of a dramatic game Paul Pierce hit two shot clock beaters. Only one counted, but both shots were reviewed for minutes as the ball left his fingers just as time expired. Peirce (30 points in the win) will be passing Larry Bird soon on the Celtics all time scoring list.
Anthony Morrow was ON FIRE against the Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12).
Kevin Love is sorry for stepping on Luis Scola, he will be suspended for 2 games.
WAH OMG DeAndre Jordan oop (38th oop of the season for Lob Angeles).
Los Angeles Clippers (14-7) just added Kenyon Martin. More lobs? More importantly, more defense and depth for the Clippers.
There might be a savior in New York. The Knicks said Jeremy Lin will start at point guard tonight (4th different starting PG this year) against the Utah Jazz (13-9). Lin is a Harvard graduate. Can Lin provide stability and integrity at PG for the Knicks?
Prediction
Metta World Peace won’t win the sportsmanship award (or any award for that matter). This guy, he sucks (4 PPG), and wears the highest shorts in the league.
Top 10 Players In The League Right Now
These guys are leading the stats page, and leading their teams to victories.
1. LeBron James
2. Derrick Rose
3. Kevin Durant
4. Dwight Howard
5. Kobe Bryant
6. Kevin Love
7. Andre Iguodala
8. Tony Parker
9. LaMarcus Aldrige
10. Chris Paul
Matchups to watch
2-6-NBATV- Utah Jazz @ New York Knicks – Lin will be starting for Knicks. Will this lead to a better half court offense? Or are the Jazz too good?
2-6-NBATV- Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portland Trailblazers – OKC is really good (18-5), but Portland is really good as well (11-1 at home). Good indicator of where the West stands.
2-8- Indiana Pacers @ Atlanta Hawks – Who is the third best team in the East?
2-8- Minnesota Timberwolves @ Memphis Grizzlies – Both young, talented teams. Both stand at 12-12 battling to get into the postseason.
Daily Grind Sports 
I get we all love to rip on the Knicks night in night out … it’s easy. But look at what Lin did tonight … 28 points 8 assists in 99-88 win over Utah … w/o Melo or Amare. Teams take time to gel…and longer when they don’t have a PG to dish the ball.
The Knicks will be just fine.
Lin is the reason they have won their last 2 games (53 points, 15 assists). As you said, he did it without Melo and Amare in their last win. NOW that they have a PG there is hope.