By Glenn Vallach
As badly as the New York Knicks have played lately, there doesn't seem to be reason to believe a reversal of fortune is forthcoming. But if there's any remote chance for a turnaround,Chauncey Billups(notes) has to be mounted on the lead horse with a bugle handy.
Most of the misery emanating from the last few weeks has created bull's eyes on Carmelo Anthony(notes), Mike D'Antoni, and to a lesser extent, Amar'e Stoudemire(notes). The three haven't exhibited much leadership during this meltdown. It's not difficult to understand why Anthony and Stoudemire have been absent in that regard. Carmelo just parachuted in from another troop to become a member of a squad with a reigning leader. That team general, Stoudemire, lost most of the guys with whom he had forged an identity when the trade occurred. D'Antoni's leadership vacuum is another issue. He just seems shell shocked as he tries to alter a coaching style that has brought him a measure of success in the NBA, one that doesn't fit the current players one bit.
So when leadership is a concern, it's time to turn the controls over to the point guard with multiple championships, the player who has developed a reputation built on poise, focus, and clutch play ability. I think we're all pretty clear on Chauncey Billups' shortcomings…he's aging, he doesn't and won't heal quickly from the bumps and bruises of an endless season's journey, he's not light on his feet and cannot guard the lightning speed that many NBA point guards feature today. Clearly, he has demonstrated very little since his thigh bruise courtesy of an extended Dwight Howard(notes) knee. But he has exhibited character and inner strength in a productive career.
Currently, there's no one else that can grab that flag and run to the front line with will and determination. It matters not what his statistics claim. If the Knicks ever do yank themselves from this malaise, the credit will most assuredly lie with Billups.
I have been a New York Knick fan since the days of Howie Komives and Walt Bellamy, when I regularly boarded the IRT Subway at 180th Street in the Bronx for a trip to the Garden to see my heroes. Since the last championship in 1973, I have alternately yearned and suffered, hoped and lamented…I've waited long enough.
Source:
• Yahoo Sports NBA page
• Yahoo Sports Knicks team page
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