FanPost

A ridiculous lineup idea (That just might work)




So i'll get right to it: i think Melo should play the 5. No, i'm not high, just creative.

Why Melo at the 5? 'Cuz Roy 'Effing Hibbert, that's why; seriously, dude is messing with my head. All his goddamn fundamentals, his pain in the ass insistence, on going straight up on his contests. I mean just look at that guy! such a hard worker, such a professional; don't you just want to slap his annoyingly, stupidly, happy face? so frieking happy! Ugh, just ugh.

Anyways, Melo at the 5. I think this move renders Roy Hibbert neutral, and i'm sure you can see where i'm going with this. With Melo at center and any combination of 3 point shooters around him, (Say, Felton, Prigs, Shump, and Cope) Hibbert is completely exposed. He cannot credibly guard the 3 point line, owing too his complete lack of quickness. (Ha! stupid happy slowpoke)

The flip side of this is, obviously, now Melo has to guard Hibbert, which you would think would be just as big a mismatch. Melo is after all only 6-8, Hibbert is a legit 7-footer, so you would think that Big Roy would eat his lunch on the other end. However, when looking over Melo's individual stats one notices a funny thing. Know what the single best part of his defensive game is? individual post defense! According to Synergy, Melo gave up just 35.3% shooting in the post. That's right, Melo is downright decent when it comes to defending the big boys one-on-one.

Now, this lineup couldn't work for extended minutes, for obvious reasons. Melo getting worn out, the Knicks getting further embarrassed on the boards etc. But as a limited minutes curve-ball, i think it would be really effective.

PS. Dear Woody: No more Jason Kidd! at least not till he gets his stroke back. I really don't think i can handle seeing him go into the fetal position when he catches behind the arc again.

PPS. This is my first fanpost! all comments and criticisms on both writing and content are appreciated.