Knicks Might Need to Make Very Tough Decisions

After a tough home lost against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the New York Knicks coaches and front office might need to make some drastic changes -- not now, but if this tends to unravel, it could happen very soon. 

First off, let me say: I'm not a Carmelo Anthony hater. I actually like him a lot; not only because he'a great player, but I also think he's good human being as well, from what he's done off the court. Although, he needs to realize what kind of player he is, at age 32.

It's very, very difficult for a superstar like Anthony to change his game, after being in a league for over ten years. But he needs to realize the type of player he's become; and we've been saying this for years now, how Melo has got to become unselfish with the ball, in order for the Knicks to become a winning or championship team.

Listen, Melo has looked very good in this early season; there were games where he's taken that backseat and let others take over. But when they're games like last night, against OKC, where he goes 4-for-19 from the field, he cannot continue to make the same play, over and over again!

Melo needs to realize that he's not 25-years-old, anymore. He can't take it to the basket, with four defenders on him, like he use to. Those days are over, and that's okay; that's life for the age sports athlete. That's something every sports athlete has to go through at some point. It doesn't mean your career is over. They just have to adjustments.

It like when a baseball pitcher loses his fastball velocity and needs to become more crafty and changes speeds.

And if Melo can't do that -- if he can't come to grips in what he's become, then he needs to be moved to the bench.

Have him come off the bench. When really, that's where his game makes the most sense, since he can score at will. Melo can come off the bench and score 10-points in five minutes; and that would help the Knicks, who are in need of a scoring 6th man. He would really this team more, coming off the bench to either help the team get out of a deficit or add on points.

I'm tired of us Knick fans having to yell and scream about him not passing the ball, when someone like a Kristaps Porzingis is wide open for a three. Or force ridiculous shots, while having three defenders on him and no chance of making; or when he makes dumb scoring decisions at isolation.

I understand Melo has way too much pride to change his game, but he has to make adjustments at this age of 32. He can't do the things he use to when, he was a Denver Nugget. And no, he's not LeBron James; he shouldn't be driving to the basket, like James does.

Like I said, this doesn't mean his career over. Melo just has become more craftier. Be open for mid-range or three-point shot; take advantage on mismatch and not when three big men on are on you. And most importantly, make players around you, better. If you're not hitting your shots, go to a second option.

JOAKIM NOAH'S STARTER ROLE

Another guy who I like very much, as a player and person, but like Melo, might need to move to the bench.

Joakim Noah has shown ability to rebound and make terrific passes, although the Knicks might have a younger and probably better center, in Willy Hernangomez.

I didn't expect Hernangomez to be this good; I saw flashes of potential in pre-season games, but I didn't expect him to be this polished of a player. Hernangomez is so fundamentally sound, for a 22-year-old. Even his calm demeanor is impressive for someone that young. But most importantly, the offense runs beautifully when he's on the court. From the way he scores and passes; his passing ability is phenomenal.

Hernangomez is looking like a starter. Which doesn't look good for the older and struggling Noah.

It's still early and no one -- besides the Cleveland Cavaliers -- has run away in the east. But if this continues, changes have to be made in the rotation.