Carmelo Anthony is a name that is synonymous with basketball greatness. Throughout his illustrious NBA career, he has made an impact on multiple teams, leaving a lasting impression wherever he goes. However, his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder was a bit complicated, to say the least. It felt like he never really fit in with the Thunder, and there is a reason why.
In a recent interview, Paul George, who was Anthony’s teammate on the Thunder, revealed the questionable plan that the team had in place for Anthony. It was a plan that ultimately did not work out and contributed to Anthony’s short-lived tenure with the Thunder.
When Anthony first joined the Thunder in the summer of 2017, it was seen as a major move for the team. They had just acquired another superstar in Paul George, and with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook already on the roster, the Thunder were expected to be a formidable force in the Western Conference.
However, things did not go as planned. Anthony struggled to find his place on the team, and his numbers took a dip. He averaged a career-low 16.2 points per game and shot just 40.4% from the field. It was clear that he was not the same player he once was, and it was evident that he was not a good fit for the Thunder’s system.
In his interview, George revealed that the Thunder’s plan for Anthony was to play him as a stretch four, a position he was not accustomed to playing. The team believed that Anthony’s ability to shoot from the outside would open up the floor for Westbrook and George to attack the basket. However, this plan backfired as Anthony struggled to adjust to his new role.
Not only did Anthony struggle on the court, but he also had to deal with constant criticism from the media and fans. Many questioned his fit with the team and whether he was hindering their chances of success. It was a difficult situation for Anthony, who had always been a star player and was now being asked to play a different role.
Despite the challenges, Anthony remained professional and tried his best to make it work with the Thunder. However, it was clear that the team’s plan was not working, and a change was needed. In the summer of 2018, Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, and then subsequently waived, allowing him to sign with the Houston Rockets.
It was with the Rockets that Anthony found some success, averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting 40.5% from three-point range. He showed that he still had something left in the tank and could contribute to a team in a different role. However, his time with the Thunder will always be remembered as a failed experiment.
Looking back, it is clear that the Thunder’s plan for Anthony was flawed. They tried to fit a square peg into a round hole, and it did not work out. But despite the disappointment, Anthony’s time with the Thunder was not all bad. He formed strong relationships with his teammates, including George, and showed that he was willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
In the end, Anthony’s tenure with the Thunder may have been short-lived, but it was not without its impact. It showed that even a player of Anthony’s caliber can struggle when put in the wrong situation. It also highlighted the importance of finding the right fit for a player, both on and off the court.
As Anthony continues his journey in the NBA, it is clear that he still has a lot to offer. He may not be the superstar he once was, but he can still be a valuable contributor to a team. And as for the Thunder, they have learned from their mistake and have since built a strong team with a clear plan in place.
In the end, it may have been a rocky road for Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it was a learning experience for both parties. And as they say, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.