Knicks Trade Rumors: New York Would Be Wise to Stand Pat at Deadline

James Dolan, please move away from the phone. The Knicks' biggest problem over the past two years is not allowing the trades or moves to jell before they enter into another roster shaking transaction.

They must resist the temptation to include their names in any sweepstakes that cost them Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler or of course Jeremy Lin. I don't think Lin is untouchable at this point, but I do believe that this is a talented bunch that needs time to jell, and even time to possibly play under a different coach.

The Knicks core has only played together four times. Anthony has never played in a system with a point guard who will handle the ball as much as Lin will in this system. Melo is a high-volume scorer who is used to having the ball in his hands with the freedom to score at will. This is an adjustment for him.

Knicks fans are hoping for a deep playoff run this year, but it isn't one that is likely to come together in under 30 games; especially amidst a season already truncated by the NBA lockout. 

Lin, Melo and Amar'e need time to gain some chemistry and trust for one another, If they do that, and retain the services of J.R. Smith, Steve Novak, Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert, the Knicks can be as good offensively as any team in the NBA.

Defense is of course another issue, and this is where the coaching change may need to happen.

I have said it before, and I will continue to say it until he proves me wrong. Mike D'Antoni is not the coach to lead this team to a NBA championship. Defense has always and always will win championships. Though the Knicks are improved defensively, as they are ranked 13th in points allowed per game, they still aren't a good defensive team.

For this team to reach its peak, the head coach is what needs to be changed, not the players. We simply haven't seen enough of this nucleus together to make a determination on their ceiling. We have however seen plenty of D'Antoni, and just as Phoenix did, New York will see he isn't the man.

Dolan must fight the urge to be apart of this season's biggest trade circus, and wait to see just how good this act can be. If any move needs to be made, it should be on the sidelines, not the court.

It's time the Knicks showed a trait that has been long neglected in the Big Apple—patience.