Chandler Helping Amare But Knicks Need More

The minute Amare Stoudemire signed his big contract to play in New York you knew the Knicks season would go as far as Stoudemire would take them. However, that won’t be very far if some other players do not step up their game.

Stoudemire has been as advertised. A big time scorer. A player that is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Stoudemire is scoring, averaging 21.3 points through the first three games.

New York knew Stoudemire would need a couple pieces to help solve this puzzle. They brought in point guard Raymond Felton. The point guard and Stoudemire do not seem to be in sync just yet. Both players look a bit uncomfortable, which can be expected.

As Janice Adams of MsBallWriter mentions, for years Stoudemire has been getting the ball from an all-star quality point guard in Steve Nash. The connection the two super stars developed was terrific. Stoudemire no longer has Nash on his side.

It will take time for Felton and Stoudemire to grow together and become a dangerous duo. Felton has the tools and talent, it’s just a matter of playing together more and more.

The season is only three games old but the Knicks currently stand at 1-2.

One player that has picked up his game in a big way is Wilson Chandler. Coming off the bench, Chandler is second on the team  averaging 21 points per game. He also leads the team in rebounding at 10 per game. Chandler has certainly been a big lift averaging a double double off the bench.

With Stoudemire and Chandler playing at a high level, they need another player or two to get this offense flying high. Felton would be a great start. Danilo Gallinari is another player the Knicks hope can provide some production.

Through three games, Gallinari is averaging just six points and three rebounds per game. The sharp shooter is just .182 from three point range.

Imagine what Stoudemire and Chandler could do if the Knicks had even a hint of an outside game. That duo can dominate the paint if Gallinari, Felton, or Landry Fields could be more consistant from long range.

The Knicks don’t need Carmelo Anthony. Of course Anthony would be a welcome addition, but the real issue early on is the lack of consistent guard play.