Sam Presti 2018 year end press conference: reading between the lines

Sam Presti Will Not Be Managed By Carmelo Anthony:

Within the same context, the GM made it clear while conversations would be transparent that there is a specific role for Anthony. That role seems to be leaning more toward the one Melo had this season and quite possibly a reduced role. Presti spoke of the success of the starting five prior to Roberson’s injury. Yet, clearly the GM is well aware Anthony is on the decline. Neither he or Billy Donovan is about to be held hostage by an aging superstar who ultimately refuses to take a bench role or can be so easily miffed by reduced minutes in a must-win game. Especially not when his minutes were when the Jazz soared ahead.

If Anthony was to stay then the obvious use of the forward would be status quo. Perhaps, with even greater emphasis for him to spot up on the perimeter. Taking into account the praise heaped upon Jerami Grant there is reason to believe the brain trust would also designate Anthony to a reserve role.

Presti is in charge, not Anthony:

Based on Anthony’s end of season comments it’s clear at that moment this was not something the aging star would be open to. Perhaps after a few days allowing for his ego to regain what he obviously felt were slights, he’ll change his mind. Yet, if you were witness to the ‘bad days’ in Denver or New York I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Let’s take Presti’s comments at face value and digging beneath what wasn’t said. Clearly, the OKC Thunder have two priorities this offseason. The most obvious is to re-sign Paul George. And, the second clear directive would be shedding Carmelo Anthony from the roster.