Thunder News: Chameleon Carmelo, Cousins injury reverberates in West
OKC Thunder In the news January 27 examines the chameleon Melo and Cousins injury.
While most teams are trying to battle the dog days of winter the OKC Thunder prepare to extend their seven game win streak versus a team trying to avoid a seven game losing streak (Pistons). Historically, even great teams have a hard time maintaining their prowess during this period of the season. Teams are anxious to hit he All-Star Break to re-energize and focus is far more difficult to maintain.
A look at the top teams through the majority of the season showcases the point. The Celtics, Raptors, Heat, Wolves and even the notoriously steady Spurs have all sputtered in recent play. I’d add the Cavaliers to the list, but their tribulations are much deeper than a January lapse.
Yet the team with the brightest spotlight on it for the first half of the season is arguably the hottest team in the NBA. Being under a microscope for 40 plus games was trying, but could these OKC Thunder finally be putting it all together?
Certainly the offense is renewed and invigorated and Russell Westbrook is mirroring the types of performances which earned him MVP last season. Moreover, Paul George is so happy e’s hinting at a return being more likely than not. And yet, it could be the third member of the star triad who is making everything work.
Carmelo Anthony the OKC Thunder chameleon:
Chris Mannix of Fox Sports may have produced the hottest take of the season when he discusses just how much Carmelo Anthony has changed this season. Wright accurately talks about Melo not once but twice adapting his game style.
More importantly Mannix accurately highlights the fact Anthony isn’t just changing, but he’s doing in a manner he historically has refused to do. During his tenure with the Knicks (particularly in the latter stages) it was felt New York would benefit from him playing at the four – he refused due to the size of the power forwards he would need to muscle up against.
Diving into that portion of Melo’s style change there is a logical explanation. Playing in the Western Conference is much different than the Eastern Conference. The pace is faster and there is less lock down battle in the post play. In the East teams like Detroit, Miami, Chicago, Toronto to name a few aren’t simply going to let you camp out on the perimeter. These teams will make you defend with elbows flying.
There is additional fodder for why Melo was more comfortable acquiescing. The modern era of small ball also makes playing the four a less physical experience.
Wright’s hot take makes sense:
However, Mannix’ second point resonates. Melo was notorious for dribbling the air out of the ball and constantly refused having playmaking removed from his arsenal. In OKC he’s embraced this adjustment. As the OK3 have seemingly solved their offensive chemistry issues could the chameleon known as Carmelo Anthony be the reason why?
"Largely because Carmelo Anthony, for the second time this season, has evolved his game, adapted his game. He came in and said, look, I’m OK being a power forward, which he never said when he was in New York. And over the last month, he said look, I’m OK being a spot up shooter, which he’s never said before.If he continues to accept that type of role, and this team continues to grow– they we’re already– started the season, Oklahoma City, a top five level defensive team. Their offensive numbers have improved incrementally over the last month. If that’s a second round match up, I think that’s at least a six game series, maybe seven."
DeMarcus Cousins suffers season ending Achilles injury:
Entering Friday night action, New Orleans were positioned directly behind the OKC Thunder. Buoyed by their selection as All-Star starters the modern era twin towers appeared to have finally found the perfect balance and chemistry.
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In the waning seconds of a huge win over the Rockets a snapped Achilles reminded everyone league wide of just how tenuous a team’s position is. In a particularly cruel turn of fate this is Cousins contract season. Whether New Orleans or any other team will be willing to offer Boogie a max deal as he returns from a torn Achilles will surely be a talking point come free agency.
Cousins was playing arguably his best ball ever. He appeared gleeful to be with his new team something in short supply in Sacramento. But the saddest part is he appeared poised to finally reach the postseason. A benchmark the big man had never accomplished.
Immediately after confirmation of the injury the initial response from the Pelicans is they intend to be active leading up the trade deadline (February 8th) defying assumptions the team would bow out with the loss of Cousins.
More importantly as ESPN’s Kevin Pelton points out Cousins injury will likely change the immediate future for the ninth (Clippers) and tenth (Jazz) ranked teams who were widely rumored to be shopping assets.
"Both the Clippers and the Utah Jazz, who are currently in 10th place in the West, face decisions before the trade deadline about impending free agents on their rosters. The Clippers have two of the top free agents to be in DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams, and the Jazz are considering what to do with Derrick Favors and Rodney Hood."
Hate to be the first to ask … but …
It’s going to be asked eventually and I feel a little shady even broaching the subject. But, with the Cousins injury it means a Western Conference player will need to replace him in the All-Star Game. The options likely come down to the ninth seeded Clippers Lou Williams and OKC Thunder small forward Paul George.
Certainly if Adam Silver listens at all to Russell Westbrook the choice is simple. Will the odds favor the fifth seeded and streaking Thunder and George.
Whoever of the two stars isn’t selected will have to endure the slap to the face for the second time.
As for Boogie I hope he defies the odds and comes back just as beastly from this terrible injury. Once again Pelton offers the statistical odds for how an Achilles injury can impact a players production post injury.
"Gay’s example provides hope but, on average, players coming back from Achilles injuries see their production decline by about 8 percent compared to what we would project based on their past performance and age."
Anything less would be disappointing for the big man who just can’t seem to catch a break. Get well soon Boogie – your fans are sending healing vibes and positivity for a speedy recovery.
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That wraps up In the news for Saturday January 27. The OKC Thunder are in action later today in Detroit in an early 5:00 p.m. EST match. Get ready for the match via TI’s game day preview and check back later for a special TIP 3 with Piston’s savant Duncan Smith.