Carmelo Anthony has had a remarkable NBA career, making an impact on multiple teams with his exceptional skills and talent. However, his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder was anything but smooth sailing. In fact, it seemed like he never quite fit in with the team. And now, former teammate Paul George has shed some light on the reason behind this.
In a recent interview, George revealed the questionable plan that the Thunder had with Anthony during his tenure with the team. It was a plan that ultimately did not work out and left both Anthony and the Thunder disappointed.
When the Thunder acquired Anthony in a trade with the New York Knicks in 2017, it was seen as a major move that could potentially elevate the team to championship contenders. Anthony, a ten-time All-Star, was expected to form a formidable trio with Russell Westbrook and Paul George. However, things did not go according to plan.
George, who played alongside Anthony for one season in Oklahoma City, opened up about the team’s strategy with Anthony. He stated that the Thunder’s plan was to use Anthony as a spot-up shooter, rather than utilizing his strengths as a scorer and playmaker. This was a major departure from Anthony’s role with the Knicks, where he was the go-to scorer and leader of the team.
As a result, Anthony’s performance on the court suffered, and he struggled to find his rhythm and fit in with the team. He averaged a career-low 16.2 points per game and shot a career-low 40.4% from the field during his one season with the Thunder. This was a significant drop from his career average of 24.0 points per game and 44.9% shooting.
George went on to explain that the Thunder’s plan with Anthony was a result of trying to accommodate all three star players on the team. With Westbrook and George already established as the primary scorers, Anthony was relegated to a secondary role that did not suit his style of play.
It was a questionable decision by the Thunder’s management, and it ultimately backfired. The team failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs, and Anthony’s time in Oklahoma City came to an end after just one season.
However, despite the disappointing outcome, George had nothing but praise for Anthony and his impact on the team. He described Anthony as a great teammate and a great player, and acknowledged that the team’s plan was not a reflection of his abilities.
Looking back, it’s clear that the Thunder’s plan with Anthony was a misstep that hindered the team’s success. But it’s also a testament to Anthony’s resilience and professionalism that he was able to adapt and make the best of the situation.
Since leaving the Thunder, Anthony has continued to prove his worth as a valuable player in the NBA. He had a successful stint with the Portland Trail Blazers and is currently a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the end, it’s safe to say that the Thunder’s questionable plan with Carmelo Anthony did not define his career. He remains one of the most talented and respected players in the league, and his impact on the teams he has played for will not be forgotten. As for the Thunder, it serves as a lesson to always utilize players’ strengths and not try to fit them into a predetermined mold.
