Carmelo Anthony thrilled to join OKC Thunder and form new ‘Big 3’

Carmelo Anthony may only have been in Oklahoma one day but his excitement for his new team is palpable

As Carmelo Anthony took to the podium he was at ease and discussed how excited he is to be a part of the Thunder.

Thoughts of playing and living in OKC:

Anthony said it happened so fast, so quickly. Believe it or not Oklahoma City was a place he and his management team discussed. This was a team, an organization he had no problem joining.

‘Russ don’t really do the convincing‘. (Side note in fairness, it’s hard to imagine Westbrook pushing a player to join him, so this statement wasn’t that surprising.)  Melo added,  I saw him in Paris at fashion week and he came to NY. He says they have become closer over the years. And, how LOYAL Russ is to OKC registered.

Adding PG to the team only made his desire stronger. He calls all 3 (PG, Russ, himself) wanting to win a championship as a driving motivation for them this season.

On his situation in New York:

Felt he became a product of his environment in NY, win, lose or draw he remained professional There was a lot of noise, so he had to find quiet time to figure it all out. He doesn’t believe the fans will have any negatives to say since he was engaged with the community and youth and Knicks fans are very educated. He hopes they understand it was a business and career decision.

Does he see problem meshing 3 top dogs together:

Only issue he thinks the triad will face is the chemistry – early. Understanding it’s a process, a marathon (not just the 3, but the entire team) to make sure they develop a flow. It won’t happen all at once, but he believes they will make it work.

Calls himself a chameleon, no matter where he plays be it New York, Olympic team, wherever, he’ll  adjust to make the team better.

Came to OKC to bring his entire skill set and believes he’ll be able to do what he does best within the scheme of things and be the best  version of himself.

Welcome to OKC at airport:

Anthony called the reception at the airport unbelievable. To go from a situation of an emotional roller coaster in New York and his family having to also deal with the emotion. To come from that situation and arrive in OKC to feel so welcomed and wanted was incredible.

On Donovan:

Melo says he has no previous relationship with Donovan, but  respects him and cites his pedigree. Although Anthony says Billy is young in NBA terms, he’s all in with him. He’ll do whatever Donovan asks of him and will keep lines of communication open. This statement is something which varies from  reports of previous Anthony coaches. There is a mix of coaches who state Anthony won’t bend from his own mandate.

National team coaches have praised his willingness to deliver whatever he’s tasked with. Yet, surrounded by a team of super stars certainly would make acquiescing an easier task. Over the course of a full NBA schedule three are bound to be peaks and valleys. Still, the fact Paul George stated the intent is to “let Melo do his thing” implies there won’t be undue pressure put upon Anthony  on the defensive end of the court.

No question Melo will start:

In follow-up to the above question, the biggest laugh of the presser came when one pundit made mere mention of Anthony coming off the bench. Melo quickly responded “who me“.  So, that answers that question.

In terms of the second part of the question (starting at the power forward), he feels like he’s been his strongest at that position. If there was one area of Carmelo’s introduction which highlights his willingness to adapt, this would be it.  Anthony has long fought this role change, although stats point to this being his most productive spot. Furthermore, defensively it also happens to be where OKC will have the best opportunity to “hide him” on defense.

The positive to pull however, is in this era having Anthony play the four affords Donovan the ability to put his best defensive unit around Melo. Whether he decides to utilize Adams or go smaller super small with Patrick Patterson. The combination and spacing and defenders could reap massive benefits for the Thunder.

Time will answer how willing Anthony is to play the four and contribute defensively. In the event the Thunder are successful early, it will serve as further motivation for Melo become the chameleon he suggests he’s willing to be.

Olympic Melo versus Hoodie Melo:

Hoodie Melo: started as him wearing a beanie and people started to notice it and it just grew into a thing. It was just about showing a different focus on his body and that’s how hoodie Melo was created. Well, that and covering up a bad hair day.

Asked “where will Dwyane Wade be playing this season”

Melo responded “I would love to have him here in Oklahoma City, am I allowed to say that, or is that tampering?” Then told Wade is free (Bulls buyout) Anthony quipped “C’mon D, you now you belong here”.

If the time spent with Paul George serves as a catalyst to lure Wade to OKC, then the long time friendship between this pair may be an even stronger lure. Consider the two other teams on Anthony’s list have other banana boat buddies (LeBron-Cavs, Chris Paul – Rockets).

It does make me wonder if the fashion events which Melo, Westbrook and Wade all have strong interests in have become the new NBA recruiting venues.

Asked about the situation in Puerto Rico:

Carmelo said “that’s the most important question of the day”. Anthony has familial ties to Puerto Rico and responded he’s started a “Care Page” for others to contribute to.  The hopes are to help the country get back on their feet via contributions and any means necessary.

Anthony says he is committed and has been in touch with the government and organizations to figure out what he personally can do to help. In a demonstration of why Presti called him dignified and classy the forward said “I don’t want to do something just to do it, I want it to be meaningful and for the people to feel impacted by what I’m trying to do.”

To sum up his time at the podium, it was clear Carmelo Anthony has earned his reputation as a classy, dignified person. As for his prowess on the court, OKC Thunder fans are about to learn why he’s scored over 10,000 points with two different franchises.

 Dennis Scott with Melo:

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Anthony said he just wanted the fans to know he wasn’t turning his back on New York or the fans. He wants them to know this is a business decision, one in which his focus is on winning, something the Knicks franchise is not focused on presently.

Anthony says OKC became a priority because the situation offers an opportunity to win and rediscover his joy.

Scott brings up the catch and shoot Melo to which Anthony says he’s always adjusted becoming a product of his environment. He expects to do the same in OKC. Whether that means scoring or adjusting in other ways. Anthony wanted to come to the Thunder because he knows what Russ and PG can do. Moreover, he feels the Thunder was the perfect fit for him where he plans on bringing a different attitude, a different mentality. Anthony says he’s just excited to play basketball.

Scott queried the adjustment time and chemistry. Emulating what Paul George said earlier, the trio plans to go with the hot hand and make the proper adjustments. They know it will take time, but at the end of the day they’ll make the adjustments required to succeed.

Asked what will determine a successful season for the Thunder. Carmelo says he hates that question, but acquiesces. Melo says the bar has been raised, he can say they want to win the championship (which they do), but all he can firmly say is they will do their best now and review at season end to determine how well they performed.

Other Media Day Insights:

Russell Westbrook:  Russell Westbrook hints extension is inevitable

Paul George: Paul George expects OKC Thunder to be top defense

Steven Adams: Steven Adams delivers expected humor at Media Day 2017

Patrick Patterson: Patrick Patterson updates on knee, movie suggestions

Andre Roberson and Reserves: Media Day: The squad speaks

Sam Presti:Sam Presti talks Carmelo Anthony addition on Media Day 2017

Billy Donovan:  Billy Donovan thoughts for 2017-18 season