Saving the Best for Last

Picture courtesy of Yahoo Sports. Amare Stoudemire is out of Phoenix and no one is taking his place…Except Hakim Warrick. Warrick is a fourth-year, half-decent forward from Syracuse, destined to be a star (no doubt), who was picked up from the Chicago Bulls and cost 1/5 of Amare’s selfish price tag. Amare is off to New York, welcoming the city and its riches with outstretched arms, to reunite with his beloved coach (Mike D’Antoni) who propelled him to the stardom he has enjoyed for the last five years.

Amare’s big head had nothing but love for the Knicks offer.  Going into his ninth season, he was given $100 million for five-years, which is about $30 million more than the Suns were willing to bargain, and the first thing he said is “the Knicks are back.” Based on Amare’s injury history, some think that he robbed New York – not unlike Joe Johnson’s robbery of Atlanta (six-year, $119 million payday). Others, like me, tend to think Phoenix is better off without him.

Most sports followers already know the intricacies of the signing and Amare’s history with the Suns, but what is now being revealed is his character. Over the last six months, Amare has done nothing but dominate and elevate his game. It wasn’t until he laid an egg in the series against the Lakers – save one explosive performance – that he showed his (many) weaknesses. Until the playoffs, he was the best power forward in the game – bar none – and, arguably, playing the best basketball of his career. All because he knew he could opt out of his contract and get a bigger paycheck.

You see, Amare could care less about winning a championship. He’s in it for the cash, the status, and the fame. He thinks he can be put in the same class as LeBron, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul and the rest, when in reality, he is a pawn in their little game. It’s no mystery that Amare would love to play with LeBron and ideally win a championship. He thinks he’s the missing link (clearly Shaq isn’t), and by taking the first step, he is hoping LeBron will follow. Unfortunately, that won’t persuade the King. Then, the minute he knew he was signing the deal, he called his buddy Carmelo Anthony to see if he may be interested in joining the Knicks now that Amare was in. ‘Melo is more intrigued with his three-year, $65 million option in Denver.

The problem with Amare is that his head is bigger than his game. Clearly, he will be a force in New York and will probably bring them to the promise land – assuming he stays healthy. Sadly, for a terrible team like the Knicks, their “promise land” is the just playoffs. Unless Amare does get that support that he is now lobbying for, he won’t win a championship in New York. He can’t play defense, he doesn’t get rebounds, he turns the ball over way too much, his free throws are horribly inconsistent, and he is nothing without a Nash-caliber point guard who can deliver a near-flawless pick and roll.

Like him or not, a team relying on a foundation of Amare will always come “that close.” I just hope the Knicks get their money’s worth. It’s just too bad, they still have spending to do to complete the package.  Yes, Amare, the Knicks are back, but only in the playoff hunt. At least until a real savior is signed. Everyone knows the best is always saved for last.