GM Sam Presti is on a warpath to position theThunder for a title run, but would the addition of Carmelo Anthony push OKC over the top?
After the trade of Paul George, the Oklahoma City Thunder are linked to another superstar in the NBA, Carmelo Anthony. As a result, the Thunder nation is split with different feelings about whether or not Anthony remains a good fit in Oklahoma City.
Carmelo Anthony growing pains:
Anthony entered the league in 2003 and has scored at least 20 points a game every year of his career. However, it’s all the extra drama that most are recalling. Anthony experienced two falling out moments in his career. One with Denver, and the latest in New York. Anthony spent seven years in Denver and seven years in New York. He’s played with Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, and Derrick Rose. Still, Anthony has been unable to make a trip to the NBA Finals.
Although these players are great, they aren’t Russell Westbrook. Anthony teaming up with Westbrook and Paul George means trouble for the rest of the league. However, there is some concern in Thunder nation. One is the fact that Anthony needs to have the ball in his hands and take a lot of shots. Last season Anthony averaged 13.1 shots per game, the lowest of his career. He did average 5.7 three-point attempts as well. This averages out to just over 18 shots a game.
Would Melo fit with Westbrook and George as Big 3?
George also averaged 18 shot attempts last season, including three-point attempts. So, Anthony and George are almost neck-and-neck with shot attempts. Russell Westbrook averaged 24 shot attempts last season including threes. However, Westbrooks shots will decrease with George and possibly Anthony on the floor.
Another concern about Anthony is if he can play as the number two or third option on a team. The same concern can be said for George. The fact of the matter is we will not know until this union actually happens. Also noteworthy, George and Anthony were with Team USA in the Olympics, so it’s not impossible for these three players to co-exist peacefully.
Anthony does have a bad reputation, some of that he is responsible for, and some he isn’t. One thing about basketball is that shooters are going to shoot. That’s what they do, they always seem to catch heat for it. Anthony is no exception to that rule.
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Personally, I think the actual chances of Anthony coming to the Oklahoma City Thunder are slim. His sole desire is to play for the Houston Rockets. As a result, some Thunder fans think we should acquire Anthony specifically so the Rockets don’t. Other’s claim it’s only a one year rental with no guarantee this iteration of the Thunder would be able to beat the defending Champions. While both sides have excellent points, this deal will depend on what the Oklahoma City Thunder will have to give up to make this trade happen.
If the Thunder can make this deal without losing key pieces like Steven Adams, it’s a good deal. Assuming everyone is okay with Enes Kanter in New York. However, the Knicks most likely will not trade Anthony for Kanter and Kyle Singler. The Thunder may have to give up something more valuable which they are unlikely to do. Still, the fact Oklahoma City is turning into a trade heavy team is exciting for the league and Oklahoma City.