Carmelo Anthony has had a remarkable NBA career, making an impact on multiple teams throughout the years. However, his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder was met with mixed reactions. It seemed as though he never quite fit in with the team, and now we know why. In a recent interview, his former teammate Paul George revealed the questionable plan the Thunder had for Anthony during his time with the team.
When Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, it was seen as a move that would elevate the team’s chances in the Western Conference. Alongside superstars Russell Westbrook and Paul George, Anthony was expected to bring a new level of scoring and experience to the team. However, things did not go according to plan.
It was clear from the start that Anthony’s role with the Thunder was not well-defined. He struggled to find his rhythm and fit in with the team’s playing style. As a result, the Thunder’s performance suffered, and they failed to live up to expectations. But according to Paul George, this was all part of the Thunder’s questionable plan.
In an interview with The Ringer’s, “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, George opened up about his time with the Thunder and the challenges they faced as a team. When asked about Carmelo Anthony, George revealed that the Thunder had planned to use him as a sixth man, coming off the bench to provide scoring. This decision was made without consulting Anthony, and it left him feeling uncertain and uncomfortable.
George explained, “We never had that conversation, and I think that’s where things kind of went wrong, where we didn’t really talk to Melo about, ‘Hey, this is what we see, this is what we envision, this is how you can make an impact on this team.'”
It’s clear that the Thunder’s plan for Anthony was not communicated effectively, leading to confusion and a lack of chemistry on the court. But the blame cannot be placed solely on the team’s management. Anthony also struggled to adapt to his new role, causing further tension within the team.
At the time, Anthony had been one of the league’s top scorers for over a decade, and it was difficult for him to adjust to a reduced role. He had never come off the bench before, and it was a significant change for him. But despite the challenges he faced, Anthony remained professional and tried his best to contribute to the team’s success.
In the end, the Thunder’s questionable plan for Anthony did not work out, and he was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets after just one season with the team. But even though his time with the Thunder was short-lived, Anthony still made a lasting impact on the team and his teammates.
Paul George spoke highly of Anthony’s character and leadership, stating that he was a great teammate who was always willing to help and mentor the younger players on the team. And even though things didn’t work out as planned, George believes that Anthony still had a positive impact on the Thunder’s culture and helped them grow as a team.
In the end, Carmelo Anthony’s time with the Oklahoma City Thunder may have been complicated, but it was not a complete failure. His experience with the team taught him how to adapt to new situations and roles, ultimately shaping him into the player he is today. And for the Thunder, it was a learning experience that helped them become a stronger and more cohesive team.
As for Anthony, he has moved on to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he continues to make an impact with his scoring and veteran leadership. The lessons he learned during his time with the Thunder have helped him become a valuable asset to any team he plays for, and his talent and determination will always be remembered by his former teammates and fans.
