Dec 7, 2013
Photo: Paul J. Bereswill
The New York Knicks have won back to back games by 30-plus points and have finally shown a pulse that matches their talent potential 18 games into this already disappointing season. From Carmelo Anthony to the role players coming off the bench there was passion and the urge to put forth a valiant effort. Andrea Bargnani even showed some grit standing toe to toe with Kevin Garnett in some verbal physical posturing that led to him being ejected in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game. But what does this mean against two teams in the bottom third of the Eastern Conference?
Normally, I wouldn’t say this could possibly be a playoff surge but looking at the competition there isn’t a more true statement. The Knicks are looking up at rebuilding teams the likes of the Cavaliers, Magic, Raptors, 76ers and Bobcats en route to an eighth seed in the playoffs.
Of course winning is the deodorant to anything that stinks on a sports team and the Knicks are heavily spritzing cologne to cover up the inadequacies of their interior play and overall defense. The Knicks can certainly hide these deficiencies against poor teams but what about teams like the Chicago Bulls who defend and rebound with tenacity? I hate to pull the “not so fast” Lee Corso card but let’s pump the brakes on the Knicks turning the corner especially with the Celtics coming up twice and a Bulls game sandwiched in between.
It’s clear Tyson Chandler’s value to the Knicks has been highlighted in his absence but the struggle will continue as opposing teams find ways to attack the paint. Kenyon Martin and Amar’e Stoudemire are limited on a day-to-day basis and regulated to playing in short spurts. It’s time to include backup Center Cole Aldrich in the game-plan for quality minutes to get more hands on rebounds and defend the rim. At 6’11 Aldrich is an able big body that’s able to at the very least pose a visual threat to those driving to the basket.
Aldrich is not the key to the Knicks extending their win streak or keeping their heads above water until Chandler’s return but he certainly deserves extended playing time. At 5-13 and still 2.5 games out of the playoff picture the Knicks can afford to test out fresh talent.
Does anyone remember where Jeremy Lin started before ‘Linsanity’ came about when the Knicks struggled without Anthony for a portion of last season? He was the guy sitting next to the Gatorade, one of the last guys you’d think about substituting in the clutch moments. One game of explosive play bolstered his career from no name to starter on the biggest stage. Aldrich probably won’t come off the bench as electrifying but if he’s a proficient shot blocker or rebound warrior the Knicks can benefit from his skill-set.
