New York Knicks: It's Finally Time to Trade Amare

I am not a New York Knicks fan; nor am I Knicks hater.  I enjoy the game of basketball and few teams this season have played the game as well as the Knicks.  They are playing with a great deal of continuity and confidence.  I watched their dismantling of the defending champs, The Miami Heat.  That was am impressive win.

A great deal of the team's success has to go to Carmelo Anthony.  Carmelo is playing like the player many people thought he could become.  He is giving a strong effort on the defensive end.  He is making an effort to share the ball and take better quality shots.  Now, let's be honest, he will never be a faciliator in the mode of Lebron James.  But, he is finding ways to help his team win, and that is commendable in my book.  Because Amare Stoudemire is injured, he has been able to essentially play the power forward position.  This is a move made popular by James last year.  Melo has always been one of the strongest "small" forwards in the game.  That said, he is just as strong as many power forwards and much quicker.  He is a matchup nightmare.  His evolution has been key.  Can he keep it up?

Amare Stoudemire used to be the most athletic big man in the game.  He was quicker, stronger and more athletic than most forwards in the game.  However, his debilitating knees have slowed him considerably.  Also, he has had back issues that have slowed his productivity.  He was never a good defensive player; nor a very good rebounder for his position.  The Knicks signed him to a max contract a few years ago based on a theory that he would be healthy.  Well, that simply has not happened.  He has been a shell of his former self for the majority of his stay in New York.  That is sad.  But, the NBA is a business and cutting ties with him is in the team's best interest.  While he is still relatively young (29, I believe) the Knicks should trade him for young talent and draft picks.  This would enable the team to continue to retool around Melo, while he is still in his prime. 

I wish Amare well, but I think his best years are behind him and I do not think he is capable of helping the Knicks.

Peace