Carmelo Anthony is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His scoring ability, leadership, and versatility have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for. However, his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder was met with mixed reviews, causing many to question why he never quite fit in with the team. Recently, former Thunder player Paul George shed some light on this mystery, revealing the questionable plan the team had with Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony joined the Thunder in the summer of 2017, after spending six and a half seasons with the New York Knicks. He was expected to form a formidable trio with Russell Westbrook and Paul George, making the Thunder a serious contender in the Western Conference. However, things didn’t go as planned.
From the start, it was clear that Anthony’s role with the Thunder was not well-defined. He was used to being the primary scorer on his previous teams, but with Westbrook and George also on the roster, there was a lack of clarity on where he fit in the offense. This led to a lot of isolation plays and a stagnant offense, causing frustration among the players and fans alike.
In an interview with Allie Clifton, a host for Spectrum SportsNet, Paul George revealed that the Thunder’s plan with Carmelo Anthony was to use him as a power forward, rather than his natural small forward position. This decision was made without consulting Anthony, who had always played as a small forward throughout his career.
George explained that this decision was made to accommodate Andre Roberson, who was the Thunder’s starting small forward at the time. The team wanted to keep Roberson in the starting lineup, as he was their best defensive player. However, this decision had a negative impact on Anthony’s game. He struggled to adjust to the new role and had a career-low shooting percentage during his time with the Thunder.
Not only did the position change affect Anthony’s performance, but it also affected team chemistry. With Anthony struggling on the court, there were rumors of tension between him and his teammates. This, coupled with the team’s underwhelming performance, led to the Thunder’s early exit in the playoffs that year.
After just one season with the Thunder, Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and then subsequently waived, making him a free agent. He then signed with the Houston Rockets, where he found success playing as a small forward once again. This further highlights the fact that the Thunder’s plan with Anthony was not the best fit for his playing style.
In hindsight, the Thunder’s decision to change Anthony’s position seems questionable, especially considering the impact it had on the team’s dynamic. It also raises the question of why the team didn’t consult with Anthony before making such a significant change.
Despite the challenges he faced with the Thunder, Anthony remains a highly respected and accomplished player in the NBA. He has since found success with the Portland Trail Blazers, and his time with the Thunder can now be viewed as a learning experience.
In conclusion, Carmelo Anthony’s tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder was a complicated one, with the team’s questionable plan being a significant factor. While the intentions may have been good, the decision to change Anthony’s position without consultation ultimately had a negative impact on the team’s performance and chemistry. However, Anthony’s resilience and determination to succeed have proven that he can overcome any challenge thrown his way.
