Thunderous Intentions
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Dissecting Steven Adams apparent Instagram diss on Melo

By Wil Harrington

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Steven Adams #12 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 22, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Steven Adams #12 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 22, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Steven Adams appeared to “like” an Instagram comment advocating that Carmelo Anthony was not a valuable contributor for the OKC Thunder.

The “big OK3” experiment (that did not involve Steven Adams) will go down as a failure in its first year. The reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook drew in a couple of big names; two-way star, Paul George as well as established scorer, Carmelo Anthony.

Westbrook averaged another triple-double, George had a stretch of elite defense, and Carmelo did not shoot well. Adams had every appearance of being a top-three OKC Thunder player instead of Anthony.

Steven Adams did not directly say anything, but may have let his feelings slip. The question on his true feelings (or perhaps subconscious feelings) got more fuel via social media.

An Instagram post by “therussway” posed the question: “Who’s more valuable to OKC?” while showing a picture of the OK3 plus Adams. The Big Kiwi’s official account liked a comment that answered “All of them except Melo”.

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Image and video hosting by TinyPic /

Was this on purpose?

After career lows on offense for Carmelo Anthony, many Thunder fans may agree with this stance. It is possible that Steven Adams does too, though those feelings would be best kept private with Anthony likely to return next season.

Adams quickly reached out to Thunder staff, who relayed his response to the press per various reports. He claims it was an accidental like via his “fat fingers” while scrolling.

Should we believe this or not? Adams did not mention the Carmelo Anthony portion of this year’s experiment in his exit interview. He is also the one that has to clean up other’s defensive mistakes at the rim.

We have no reason to believe that Steven Adams is anything less than a great teammate. If he says it was an accident, then he’s earned the benefit of the doubt.

Steve, going forward, please just be careful.

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