A Disappearing Act

      To call the Amare Stoudemire-Carmelo Anthony experiment a bust would be an understatement. This offensively dynamic duo, tagged with defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler, should be disgusted with their position as the seventh seed in the east. Not only is Chandler clogging the middle for this star-led team, but young talent also compliments the two so-called leaders. The Knicks have a great young nucleus which should spark some vigor into the team.
     Underrated J.R. Smith is among the best one on one players in the league. The emergence of Jeremy Lin (when healthy) gives them an energizing set up man and floor general. Steve Novak is arguably the best pure shooter in the world. Shumpert (before he got injured) was athletic and capable enough of locking up the league's best at three different positions. Baron Davis and Mike Bibby, two guys who have been there before, give the young guns of the team mentors to learn from. Such combinations seemingly should lead to success. This makes me wonder why the  production is nowhere to be seen.
     Carmelo has heated up recently, so he should not bear the blame all to himself. This leads me to question the other "superstar." What ever happened to Amar'e Stoudemire? I myself am a big Amar'e fan, and am probably as disappointed as anyone (outside of loyal Knickerbocker fans) with his performance all season long. After an impressive first season with New York, he's been missing in action this year.
     The 29 year old native of Lake Wales, Florida is averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His 13.5 points per game in two playoff games are not even enough for second best on the team (Smith). Stars are supposed to rise to the occasion come playoff time. One might argue Carmelo Anthony is at fault for Amare's struggles, because he is hogging the shots and making it hard for the power forward to find any sort of rhythm. I argue no such transfer of the blame should be necessary. It's on Amar'e.
     He has a proven track record. He doesn't need to be second fiddle to anyone. Sure, Carmelo is option one. But Amar'e is not option two. He's option one-B. If Amar'e wants the ball, he has the right to demand it. In fact, it is his job to demand it. Since he's been doing nothing of that sort, the blame rests solely on his shoulders. He needs to find the fire inside of him. By fire, I do not mean showing emotion by punching the glass case to a fire extinguisher.
     What a complete lack of composure he displayed. When his team needed him most, he choked. When his coaches needed him most, he let his anger get the best of him. When his city needed him the most, he panicked. When he needed to find himself the most, he let himself down. Amar'e has been a disappointment from game one of this condensed, but captivating 2011-2012 season. The playoffs are his chance to turn it around but he's not seizing the opportunity.
     As an Amar'e fan, I truly hope his team will rally around him through these rough times. I fully expect New York to give the Miami Heat a run for their money on Thursday. If they do manage to pull out the upset in game three, I fully expect Amar'e to take no prisoners in game four (if healthy enough to play). I believe we will see the Amar'e of old, with a chip larger than life on his shoulder. If nothing changes then shame on him. He has one last chance to make amends for his lack of toughness this season. If he fails, watch out; the hasty, impetuous fans of New York will be out for blood.