Everybody loves Raymond: Felton gets respect
Raymond Felton of the Knicks lays up a shot over Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, Friday. (Jan. 7, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
LOS ANGELES - The MVP chants Amar'e Stoudemire has heard this season may be fitting, but Kobe Bryant doesn't put much stock in them.
"The home crowds chant MVP for anybody,'' Bryant said. "They chant MVP for Earl Boykins in Milwaukee.''
Even if Knicks fans think Stoudemire is most valuable, Raymond Felton just might be most important. Felton's first career triple-double (23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds) in Friday's 121-96 win at Phoenix was just another example of why Bryant believes the Felton signing was the most overlooked of the 2010 free-agent extravaganza.
"He's a fantastic player, a tough competitor and a good playmaker who could knock down shots,'' Bryant said. "I think that was something that kind of snuck by everybody.''
And it seems Felton has made a checklist of all of those who either wanted his position or might want it in the near future and has given them all they can handle on the court.
He outplayed 2012 free-agent candidate - and Carmelo Anthony wedding toastmaster - Chris Paul in early December and on Tuesday overwhelmed Tony Parker, who said he would have wanted to play for the Knicks if the Spurs didn't sign him to an extension. On Friday, he completely dominated Steve Nash, the guy he heard so much about earlier in the season when the pick-and-roll hadn't yet clicked and the concerns were that only Nash could get the most out of Stoudemire.
"I do know he's the type of guy that would do that,'' Mike D'Antoni said of taking on such comers. "He's like Amar'e: The bigger the obstacle, the more focused he is.''
Mark your calendar: The Knicks play another 2012 free-agent candidate, Deron Williams, in Utah Wednesday night.
Felton, who is signed only through 2011-12 (just in time for the Knicks to consider signing Paul or Williams), smiled when the curious coincidence of his biggest performances was mentioned to him. He said he pays no attention to rumors and that it doesn't provide any extra motivation. "I've got enough motivation,'' he said, "trust me.''
Felton is in the top 10 among guards in five key statistical categories - scoring (fourth, 18.3 points per game), assists (fifth, 8.7), steals (seventh, 1.86), double-doubles (third, 16) and points-rebounds-assists aggregate (eighth, 30.9). Suns coach Alvin Gentry believes he has to be "very highly'' considered for a spot on the East All-Star team, saying: "I think Raymond Felton is playing as well as any point guard in the NBA right now.''
Notes & quotes: Stoudemire was permitted a prearranged excused absence from practice at UCLA yesterday afternoon to remain in Phoenix to spend time with his three children, who still reside there. He rejoined the team in L.A. last night . . . D'Antoni on playing the Lakers: "I'm not trying to say we're overconfident. We like where we are. To be honest with you, when you've got a team like this, you can't wait until tomorrow. Knowing that we could lose, but it's not the end of the world. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do." . . . The NBA reviewed the flagrant foul on Timofey Mozgov - he elbowed Suns center Robin Lopez in the mouth and was ejected - and decided no further punishment was necessary.
