By Tyler Pager
As the NBA season hits the halfway point, the New York Knicks are know finally recognized around the league as a playoff contender. However, the surprise of the Knick team has to be their playmaker and court general, Raymond Felton.
Most Knick fans expected greatness from Amar'e Stoudemire as a he is a five-time all-star and has already proved that his talent is undeniable. However, Felton’s rise to stardom was definitely unexpected by many.
After only averaging 12.1 points and 5.6 assists per game during his last season with the Charlotte Bobcats, Felton was a solid player. However, his campaign with the New York Knicks has been a huge success. This season, Felton is averaging 17.6 points and 8.8 assists per game and along with Stoudemire will hopefully take a franchise out of a seven-year playoff drought.
Felton’s ability to see the entire court has not only improved his game but those of his teammates as well. Rookie Landry Fields is one of many of Felton’s teammates who have benefited from his skill at the point guard position. Fields is averaging 10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds a game and is regarded as on of the top rookies in the league. Without Felton to dish him the ball, Fields’ development would have not have exploded so quickly.
Even though Felton’s play has been vital to the success of the Knicks, his leadership is his most invaluable quality. As co-captain, along with Stoudemire, Felton’s leadership is seen on and off the court. As a player with playoff experience and a natural floor leader, his ability to make everyone work harder and as a result become better basketball players and a stronger team, Raymond Felton is an invaluable member of the New York Knicks.
As the NBA season hits the halfway point, the New York Knicks are know finally recognized around the league as a playoff contender. However, the surprise of the Knick team has to be their playmaker and court general, Raymond Felton.
Most Knick fans expected greatness from Amar'e Stoudemire as a he is a five-time all-star and has already proved that his talent is undeniable. However, Felton’s rise to stardom was definitely unexpected by many.
After only averaging 12.1 points and 5.6 assists per game during his last season with the Charlotte Bobcats, Felton was a solid player. However, his campaign with the New York Knicks has been a huge success. This season, Felton is averaging 17.6 points and 8.8 assists per game and along with Stoudemire will hopefully take a franchise out of a seven-year playoff drought.
Felton’s ability to see the entire court has not only improved his game but those of his teammates as well. Rookie Landry Fields is one of many of Felton’s teammates who have benefited from his skill at the point guard position. Fields is averaging 10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds a game and is regarded as on of the top rookies in the league. Without Felton to dish him the ball, Fields’ development would have not have exploded so quickly.
Even though Felton’s play has been vital to the success of the Knicks, his leadership is his most invaluable quality. As co-captain, along with Stoudemire, Felton’s leadership is seen on and off the court. As a player with playoff experience and a natural floor leader, his ability to make everyone work harder and as a result become better basketball players and a stronger team, Raymond Felton is an invaluable member of the New York Knicks.
Felton's play has definitely improved overall, but over the last month or so he's been pretty bad. He shot around 30% for about a month and is turning the ball over a lot more. I was actually working on a post about his declining play of late before you put this up, hope you don't take offense to me disagreeing with your assessment and I look forward to your comments on my take on things.
ReplyDeleteI agree that he has had a bad stretch. However, after last night (17 points, 15 assists) I think its ending. Also, without his presence I dont think the Knicks would be where they are right now. Also, did you see his halftime interview. He has a passion for the game that many knicks lack and he brings that to every game which is what the team needs
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree, his passion and leadership are a huge reason why the Knicks are where they are right now, even mentioned that in my mid-season report card. His declining shooting is certainly something to be concerned with though, especially since he seems to be regressing to his career averages, and not just having a slump. He's unquestionably a leader for this team and a good player, just not as good as people have been making him out to be lately.
ReplyDeleteWell played, Mr. Pager. Well played.
ReplyDelete