Besides the talks of the inability for the New York Knicks to get Carmelo Anthony, one of the things that frustrate Knicks fans to all ends is the offense that is put out by former Coach of the Year, and our current coach Mike D'antoni. Dubbed "the seven seconds or less" offense, it requires the passing of the ball on a consistent basis in order to throw it inside or out side to the man on the top of the key. This high octane offense was very successful in Phoenix, the knock on this style is that defensive schemes were not part of the style. The defense of this scheme relies a lot on playing the lanes for steals forcing out to produce turnovers and getting fouls in transition. With this system in place it begs the question about what we as fans want on the floor. Our tradition is that of toughness, rebounds, blocks playing guys tough in one on one match up. Anthony Mason, Charles Oakley, Xavier McDaniels (I believe?) anyone?
The reason why we don't see this in New York any more is Mike D'antoni is trying to recreate the Phoenix Suns @ MSG, I guess Amare is his Amare, Chandler is his Marion, Landry is his Raja Bell, but after that things kind of fall apart. Although Felton is more athletic and more defensive minded then Steve Nash ever was or will be, Felton doesn't have the second sight of a Nash or Kidd to make Knicks gel, in that way. And there is no Barbosa type. With that said, Mike needs to wake up and adapt his style to a New York Style.
Steve Lavin, Coach of St. Johns University has a similar offensive style as D'antoni, where they differ is in the transition of the ball as in terms of offense to defense. Where as D'antoni would have the players play the lanes and force turnovers and fouls , Lavin has his kids stay with there opposition in order to produce trapping situations. They box out very well and their defense produces there high octane offense. They score quickly but get back on the defensive end even quicker...
We need to get back to what made New York great, when war was raged on the court @ MSG !!!! Come on NY, where is your heart !!!! Stop with the showtime antics , we are the Knicks damnit !!!!!
The "seven or less offense" has evolved into the "hold the ball 2-3 seconds or less and pass till you find the open man". Steve Lavin's style of defensive transition is worth the try. D'Antoni is evolving. Just hope he can evolve defensively.
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