Chauncey is not an afterthought

[Roy H.]

It was amazing to me how many critics treated Chauncey Billups like a throw-in in the Carmelo trade.  A lot of folks lamented the Knicks giving up "three starters", while they ignored that the Knicks were getting back not one, but two starters on their end.  A lot of people acted like Ray Felton was head and shoulders above Chauncey, which never made a lot of sense to me.

Well, tonight Chauncey almost single-handedly carried the Knicks down the stretch as they beat the Heat.  He hit multiple big shots, and made a key defensive play.  I think whoever plays the Knicks in the playoffs has to worry about Chauncey as much as they do Carmelo.

(Also, kudos to Carmelo and Amare for actually playing some defense down the stretch.  They've always had the physical tools, but the motivation hasn't always been there.)

[Megatron]

First round of the playoffs is going to be exciting for whichever team plays the Knicks.

[Roy H.]

First round of the playoffs is going to be exciting for whichever team plays the Knicks.

Hopefully the Heat.

[CelticSooner]

I think they'll stick in that 6th spot. Chicago will probably stick at the 3rd. That would be a great first round matchup. Knicks have given Chicago trouble this year.

[bruinsandceltics]

Anyone who thought Chauncey was an after thought in that trade doesn't know much about hockey.

Doesn't change the fact that they aren't going to get past the first round of the playoffs.

[Mike-Dub]

Anyone who thought Chauncey was an after thought in that trade doesn't know much about hockey.

Getting the Bruins Oiler's game confused with Knicks Heat lol.

But I agree... Anyone who thought Chauncey was an after thought probably doesn't know that much about basketball... and hockey lol.

[ManUp]

Yup.

I was shocked at the "They gave too much" reactions. Felton is a solid young point guard with a bright future, but Billups is legit. Hes one of those players that can bring a winning culture with him. Just like when he first got traded to the nuggets. He gets all his troops in line and gets guys on the right path, a true veteran with the championship ring that demands respect. Felton hasn't learned how to be a winner on the NBA level yet.

[bruinsandceltics]

Anyone who thought Chauncey was an after thought in that trade doesn't know much about hockey.

Getting the Bruins Oiler's game confused with Knicks Heat lol.

But I agree... Anyone who thought Chauncey was an after thought probably doesn't know that much about basketball... and hockey lol.

Hahaha woops.

[European NBA fan]

He is the only champion (and a Finals MVP) on that team, and his basketball-IQ is off the charts. He just knows what to do to keep his team in competition. Not only does he make key plays. You can almost see how he pulls the strings like a puppet master. I'm pretty sure he was the one, who set the tone for the defense.

[MaxAMillion]

I would like to know what person said Felton is better than Chauncey. I have never heard that nonsense before. Billups was not talked about much because he is 35 and only has another year or so of high level play.

I don't want any part of the Knicks in the playoffs specifically because of Billups. I think he would cause problems for Rondo.

[pearljammer10]

Yeah everyone acted like Chauncey was just a throw in to make contracts work. When really, this is the reason the Knicks had to give up so much.

[Frrrrank!!!]

He was a monster down the stretch tonight.

Miami continues to have problems with point guards and tonight was no different.

[cman88]

he was also a big part in their win against the bucks scoring 21points

Definitely didnt get the respect from the media that he shouldve in this trade. New york got 2 elite players by trading away 3 of their starters...

[wdleehi]

Billups is the leader of that team.  Melo and Amare are the better players now, but it is clear they are going to follow Billups lead down the stretch. 


Think of it like their own mini KG.  The talent level is not the same, but the discipline and the effort on defense that pushes teammates to try an match it are similar. 


I do hope Chicago passes Miami for the 2nd seed.  I think NY vs Miami will be really tough.  And how great would it be if after they took their talents to South Beach, they got an early start to enjoying South Beach.   

[Cman]

Props to Chauncey for beating the Heat.

I don't remember anyone saying Felton was better than Chauncey. 

But I do remember saying (and I stand by it) that while Chauncey is better now, the other two starters sent by the Knicks to Denver (Wilson Chandler and D. Gallinari) are what make this a trade lopsided in Denver's favor (I've never thought much of Ray Felton).  Yes, Chauncey is better *this year*, but the Knicks are not contenders this year.  Keeping the other two players (not that they would have had a choice, mind you) would make the Knicks better in the long term, and better able to compete for a championship in the future.