Is criticism of the Knicks recent play warranted?

Amare Stoudmire / Wikimedia Commons

Along with the trade for Carmelo Anthony came increased media attention for the Knicks. Since acquiring Anthony, the Knicks have played poorly, going 7-11 and have received heavy criticism from the press. Many pundits are now skeptical that the Knicks gave up too much in the trade and that the new stars Chauncey Billups and Anthony will not be able to develop chemistry with Amare Stoudemire and the rest of the Knicks.

These questions are valid and the Knicks play has not provided any answers; however, this should have been expected when the trade was made. It would be unreasonable to expect a team with only two starters from prior to the trade to be able to play with the chemistry of a team that’s played all season long. Using the Maimi Heat as an example, when they acquired Lebron James and Chris Bosh they began the season an unspectacular 9-8 and they had the advantage of training camp and preseason to work on chemistry.

Overall, the Knicks offensive and defensive totals are similar before and after the trade. The problem for them has been holding leads and closing games. Being able to close out games should come in time when they learn what their most effective plays down the stretch are.


For those who expected the Knicks to raise their play to championship level after acquiring Anthony is slightly absurd. At last check few teams surrendering 105.5 points a game and have Jared Jeffries and Ronny Turiaf splitting time at center have recently won championships.


In the NBA, championship teams typically rely on multiple superstar caliber players; the Anthony trade gives the Knicks the second star that every championship team needs. Although the Knicks gave up very talented players in Reymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, all of these players are role players and likely would never give the Knicks a legitimate chance at a championship. However if the Knicks front office can surround Stoudemire and Anthony with a strong supporting cast who can play defense and rebound the can become serious contenders.

The Knicks may not be able to correct their flaws this season, but despite their struggles, the trade was necessary. The fans and media have to give the team time to develop into the elite team they fantasized about when the trade was made.