It takes alot of courage to do what Amare Stoudemire did. The Knicks were in heavy persuit of Lebron, Wade and Bosh. Hell Joe Johnson, Grant Hill and Jason Kidd didn't want to come either. A summer of hope seemed to be doomed when Lebron took his talents to South Beach. We were all stunned. Before you know it we tune into the news and we see Amare wearing a Knicks cap saying "The Knicks are back." He didn't stutter, He wasn't intoxicated and he was serious!
He wasn't the best option available at the moment but he knew before the world did what he was bringing to the table. "Swag Immortal!" New York has had it's share of talented legends but Amare was bringing the most Charisma to the Garden since Clyde Frazier's fashion sense became cool.
Stoudemire was a MVP favorite early in the season but you could tell his body was taking a beating and at times it seemed like he was taking every big shot. He rallied a young Knicks team back to respectabilty.
Carmelo Anthony was going through rougher times in Denver. It had become public knowledge that he wanted to test free agency and he didn't sign a hefty extension which indicated to Denver they had to part ways and hopefully get something back for him. He was very diplomatic with his situation but everyone knew he wanted to come home which meant possibly play for the Knicks.
It happens. Bodies get thrown everywhere and Carmelo Anthony and Chauncy Billups become Knicks. The Knicks had to pay the price by losing crowd favorites but it was all worth it. The Knicks land one of the top 10 players in the game and make a appearance in the playoffs for the first time in 7 years.
The season ends with hope. We have our own big three in New York and with the right decisions being made this off season we might get to see a a few banners raised in the Mecca of basketball!
