Stat is Back!!!

Anyone that knows me, can testify that I am a huge Knicks fan. Therefore it's only fitting that my first Post is in reference to Number 1 playing his first game of the season on Jan 1. I thought about writing an analysis of his performance but let's face it, anyone that thought he would have break out game after not playing for 2.5 months just doesn't know basketball. But, as the fanatic that I am, I watched the game yesterday from beginning to end looking for promising signs of cohesion between Melo, Stat and the rest of the squad. With that said,there were a few things the Knicks can hang their hat on with Stat back in the line up. Here's 5 reasons why Amar'e will fit just fine in the Knicks rotation.

1. The most effective play in professional basketball is the Pick & Roll ESP with Stat involved.

Knicks love the Pick & Roll. Playing a key role off the bench Amare can be the main pick and roll guy with the second unit with Kidd or Pablo (who plays the P&R very well.) Also one dimension that he brings to that play that Tyson can't is a mid range shot on a pick and pop. Hopefully Stat grasps the concept that starting doesn't matter but what matters is what 5 are on the floor down the stretch. JR has learned that and now he's having the best season of his career including not one but two buzzer beaters.

2. Playing is all he cares about.

Under Mike Woodson if you don't play defense... Well you don't play at all. Something Melo has bought into and he seems to be thriving on both ends of the floor. We all know Ronnie Brewer is a prime example of getting playing time all because he can lock up. He's shooting under 70% from line and he is competing with Chuck Hayes to have the worse form I have ever seen. A commitment to defense can get Stoudemire on the court either at the 4 or 5. Playing  the 5 off the bench he has big defensive shoes to fill taking the place of last season's DPOY and the anchor of the Knicks defense. He has said he will do whatever it takes for the team to win. I believe it so Stat needs to either put up or shut up.

3. Efficiency

Despite the injuries, "not being able to gel" with Melo, the fact that he is possibly overpaid, Amare can still score. And efficiently at that. In Woodsons offense and the fact that Melo passes out of double team now, Amare can get good looks from the midrange. Plus, we all know from his days in Phoenix he has mastered the Pick & Roll so that'll get him point blank shots and trips to the line. With that being said, a solid 25-28 minutes a game can produce a solid 18 PTs and 10 rebounds give or take a break out game every once it a while.

4. There's minutes for everyone.

Amare can play the 4 or 5. Melo can play the 3 or 4. Chandler has a problem staying out of foul trouble. Camby And Kurt are old. Need I say more? This whole notion that minutes are hard to come by is false. Granted players like White and Copeland have played well enough to get playing time so if Stat doesn't produce he can see more time on the pine than on the court. But he will produce because he has pride, will thrive in his new role, and Coach Woody is damn near coach of the year.

5. Felton, JKidd, Pablo

Last but definitely not least, the Knicks have three PGs that can pass, run an offense, score the ball and find the true scorers on the squad. So offense is a given but the defensive side is a great plus too. All three guards pressure the ball well and with Iman returning, JR Smith playing at his peak and Brewer doing what he does best,  perimeter defense can keep the explosive guards on the perimeter. Point blank, Amare won't get exposed in the paint (well at least not too often).

In conclusion, I hope I'm not blinded by belief and these are legitimate reasons but only time will tell. Let's go Knicks. #knickstape