Knicks vs Raptors: New York Must Hit the Ground Running with Amar'e Stoudemire

The New York Knicks have a new superstar in Jeremy Lin, but there is one problem: he hasn't played with old superstars just yet.

It was just about this time one year ago that people were getting excited for Carmelo Anthony's trade to New York. They gave up a ton of players to get him, but putting Melo alongside Amar'e Stoudemire was all they wanted to do.

Melo and STAT's Knicks haven't been able to figure things out though. They were swept in the first round of the playoffs a year ago, and it didn't start much better this year either. Injuries and personal issues have plagued both superstars, and the Knicks were 8-15 only nine days ago.

That all changed with the emergence of Jeremy Lin, while "Linsanity" has taken over the Knickerbockers, as well as the basketball world at large.

But again, the Knicks don't know what to expect with Lin, STAT and Melo in the lineup together. Tonight they'll get their first glimpse when they take on the Raptors in Toronto.

Amar'e returns to the lineup after missing the last four games due to the tragic passing of his older brother. He was on the floor for the Nets game, when Lin first earned extended minutes, but hasn't been on the floor with him as a starter.

We know STAT has experience in this offense with an actual point guard at the helm. He played the best basketball of his career with Steve Nash at point guard in Phoenix.

Comparing Lin to Nash is foolish, but it is impossible to deny the fact that Lin is the most traditional point guard New York has had since STAT joined last year. He's smart and understands how to implement D'Antoni's offense.

Before Melo and his isolation game rejoins the Knicks' lineup, they must keep doing what they've been doing, while pushing the tempo with Amar'e.

If Lin and the big man can get on the same page, it will immediately pay off dividends for when Melo returns. The Knicks' current offense is predicated on ball movement, and Amar'e thrives in this game as well.

Melo will undoubtedly slow things down when he returns, but if the Knicks keep winning, he'll have no choice but to adapt his game. He believes he can play with Lin, and if STAT feeds into what they're doing it makes everything that much easier.

When the Knicks take the court tonight they need to hit the ground running. It makes all the difference.