Melo debut: Come Get Some

Ever since Donnie Walsh saved the NY Knicks from the idiotic and slimy clutches of Isiah Thomas, the fans have been waiting for the day when we could put a star-powered, championship contender on the Garden floor. That day is not here yet, but the star power is. Stan n Melo are in place and the Garden was buzzing like crazy before tonight's match-up against the Bucks even started.

As expected both Melo and the 5x Allstar throw in, Chauncey Billups (Awesome addition) have showed some rust and the Knicks have looked a bit out of synch the entire night. Still there is so much talent for the Knicks that they have been able to score a prolific amount of points. (Everyone seems to forget how talented Toney Douglas is...Shawne Williams is a solid shooter and defender as well) No one should be worried that Melo isn't having a great shooting night...He will put up points in the 24 remaining games. (Even with a poor shooting percentage he managed 27 points and 10 boards)The big question is: will the new-Knicks be able to mesh in time to make a serious playoff run? They will have to work fast but I think that Amare, Melo, Billups and Fields are all smart enough to make it happen.

The one problem that will persist for the Knicks is defense. Their defense looks awful against an offensively anemic Milwaukee team. They've had players wide open the entire night. The Knicks were not a great defensive team before the trade but they are an even worse one now. Melo will have to buy into playing defense and Walsh will need to get us a real center in a matter of 24 hours for this team to go deep into the playoffs. Still, Donnie Walsh has 2 important phases of his plan completed; The stars are in place, now we need to reassemble a bench and gain size in order to present a championship caliber team.