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[QUOTE="OrangeDW, post: 1531136, member: 2458"]
It amazes me that any basketball fan has a problem with Melo (let alone SU fans who should forever be in his corner after what he did for SU hoops).  His whole game is skill-based, developed through hard work.  Textbook jumper, footwork, jab steps, pump fakes, low post moves.  He's a fundamentally sound technical marvel.  His athleticism wasn't anything special even in his prime relative to other superstars in the league, and has largely been gone for years now.

His "doesn't pass or play defense" is among the most overplayed incorrect criticisms too.  He's always in the top 10 SF's in assists per game, every season.  He was 7th last year.  The only SF's who get more than that are the "point forward" types...Lebron, Scottie Pippen, early career Grant Hill, etc.  That's never been Melo's role on his team.  He shoots a lot because he should, but he usually makes the right passes.  Watch the games.  He's never been a strong defender, but he's not lazy.  He works hard and battles on that end.  He's just not particularly gifted there.  Defense involves talent too.  People who simplify it to "good defenders try hard, and everyone else must be lazy" don't know what they're talking about.

I'm always amazed at how much criticism he gets from stupid fans and writers.  I swear these people don't even watch the games.
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