All may not be well in New York.
Following the New York Knicks’ Game 3 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Tyson Chandler (of all people) was more than critical of the team’s offense. He took jabs at the Knicks lack of ball movement that everyone and their extended family interpreted as indirect shots at Carmelo Anthony.
Though Chandler made it clear he wasn’t trying to call anyone out in particular, he emphasized the same words a number of times that left the public no choice but to assume ‘Melo wasn’t exactly in his good graces (via Marc Berman of the New York Post):
“I’m not saying that anybody’s doing it maliciously. I think it’s more so you get in a situation where you want to take over the game or you want to make a big shot, where you have to just stick to the game plan. Good teams win basketball games, unless you’re a great, great, great, great individual. We only have a few of those come through.
Anthony responded to Chandler’s comments with a swift “the team and I will work this out” sort of thing. While that may not have been the sound bite most were hoping for, it was a good call from ‘Melo’s perspective. He can’t afford to get caught up in the media blitz and potentially offend a teammate because of what Chandler may or may not have meant. Ironing out any issues that exist internally was the smart route to take.
‘Melo was, however, willing to comment on the ball movement. Or should I say, he was willing to come to the defense of his offense (see what I did there?).
“The shots I was taking, I didn’t think I forced anything,’’ Anthony said. “The shots I took, I felt I could make. I’ll continue to take those shots.”
Fair enough, wouldn’t you say?
‘Melo has no delusions about his role for the Knicks. He’s paid to score. And to score you need to shoot. So he’s going to shoot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8OJ8rc1mGU
Not that Chandler was taking a specific shot at Anthony, though. I know it seems that way, but ‘Melo took just 16 shots in Game 3. He had just one assist, so Chandler’s assessment definitely encompasses him to some extent, but he was probably also talking about J.R. Smith, who had zero assists on 12 shots. Or even Raymond Felton, who had just two assists in 34 minutes.
It’s not only ‘Melo who needs to move the ball better. It’s everyone. The Knicks were dead last in assists per game during the regular season (19.3) and are averaging just over 15 a game during the playoffs (also last). They dropped just 11 dimes in their Game 3 loss as well. Something has to give. That’s what Chandler was saying.
And ironic though it seems that Chandler would be the one to point this out, he’s right. The Knicks need to move the ball better. Much better. If they don’t, they’ll fall into that dreaded 3-1 hole against the Pacers and likely lose the series.
Ball movement creates shots. It opens up outside looks—which the Knicks need more of. It allows one-trick offensive ponies like Chandler to be effective off pick-and-rolls and general slashes. And it eliminates the need to call ‘Melo a ball hog, or infer it in any way.
So, is there trouble brewing in New York?
Internally, no. This is a veteran team that won’t shy away from confrontation. They’ll hear what each other has to say.
Tactically, though? We just don’t know. The Knicks need to improve on the offensive end in nearly every aspect. No exceptions, Chandler included.
“It all falls on me anyway,’’ Anthony said. “I accept that. I expect that.”
Let’s hope that ‘Melo and the rest of the Knicks also expect to correct their offensive deficiencies before it’s too late.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
