After suffering their third straight loss(twice against the Pacers), the Knicks and their fans are left thinking, "where do we go from here?" Since the Melo trade, the Knicks are 6-6 losing to a subpar 8th seed and two more times to a team barely over ten wins, while the Denver Nuggets are 8-2 playing "inspiring ball". I say "inspiring ball" because on paper, you couldn't convince me that a Nugget team whose starting line-up consist of good role players can out perform a Knick team with two perennial all-stars, a savy veteran, and 2 solid role players. When things go bad, we all like to play the blame game. Maybe it's the coaches fault for not properly preparing the team for games and implementing schemes that allows players to be where they need to be on defense. Maybe it's the players fault for not bringing the kind of intensity it takes to be a serious and consistent contender day in and day out and not just showing up for the "big games". Maybe it's the mentality of the younger generation...thinking by building an all-star team automatically ensures your chances of winning a championship; which isn't worked hard for and is only given to those with the most superstar players. Or maybe we as a team should just say, "enough is enough".

         Amare is the captain of the team and for the most part of the season has let his play do the talking for the team. But with the team seemingly giving no effort in the past few games, it's time top speak up. Earlier in the season when the Knicks went threw a similar dry-spell, Amare got on his guys and the troops rallied behind him. That's the purpose of a leader...to get the guys on track when they're not; getting into teammates faces when they need a good kick in the butt; explaining the difference to the coach in what's being done and what needs to be done; and most importantly, letting your peers know "I have failed you". Which may be the hardest thing to do. With all of his accomplishments, Amare still hasn't shown he is committed to defending/rebounding. If your teammates see their captain slacking off, then they'll follow suit. Especially when that team hasn't been together very long.  

          But with 16 games left in the regular season, Amare can make it all go away. By admitting that at times we hang with the best of them and at times we look like a bunch of guys who were just taught how to play. Admit we have been bad but we will be better. Don't settle for the "this week we'll play good and next week we'll take a break" no more. Demand this of your yourself and your team. After all, this is all us fans can ask of, for you guys to give it your all everynight. And we'd be proud! I mean, that is what Standing Tall and Talented stands for?

 

PS: This is New York Knick basketball.