Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Carmelo Anthony Twitter war epitomizes new era of social media in NBA

By Tamberlyn Richardson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks with media after the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks with media after the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Carmelo Anthony and his detractors have waged war on social media this offseason, but with his opt in, the gloves came off – – fully.

Throughout the offseason Carmelo Anthony has taken to social media to respond to his critics and some social media trolls. Saturday, Melo officially opted in to his final contract year with the OKC Thunder. This $27.9 million contract is almost certainly the last season he’ll earn over $20 million a year for the remainder of his professional career.

Well, barring Team V & V (Vlade and Vivek) doing something silly (which in all fairness isn’t out of the realm of possibility).

With the business taken care of Anthony took to social media to celebrate and let his haters know specifically how he felt.

It wasn’t just the message either, but the sheer volume (at least for Melo) which was unusual.

The last message from Melo on Saturday:

https://twitter.com/carmeloanthony/status/1010729208861954048

Ongoing conversation?

Straight up shot at critics:

https://twitter.com/carmeloanthony/status/1010586218482921472

Perhaps a nod to a video project:

Working out tweet:

https://twitter.com/carmeloanthony/status/1009922128731238400

Shots fired:

Anthony’s Twitter history:

In a matter of six days Melo posted 10 articles, an unusually high number for him.

Of his 19 tweets posted since the OKC Thunder first round exit most were in line with Melo’s typical contributions and themes. Holidays were recognized, philanthropic efforts, shoe releases, Hoodie workouts, shout outs to peers and family, fashion and basketball clinics. But, for this opt in he chose to utilize social media to make a statement.

In the same time frame last season Anthony posted precisely zero tweets between season end and July 23. This year as mentioned he’s posted 19 times.

Social Media in the new era:

This entire saga was unthinkable even a few years ago. The Melo vs. the anti-Melo faction demonstrates how much social media effects the modern day game, fan relationship and major league sports on a whole.

First of all, can you imagine if Twitter existed during the two Charles era (Barkley and Oakley)? Then again, those two might’ve felt it was a soft way to address critics. Or course neither Charles, (Sir or Oak) would use that vernacular to describe how they felt.

If you caught Bill Simmons podcast with Oak recently  for example he was dropping pearls of wisdom and straight up bombs. I loved him in his brief tenure in Toronto and he remains top three on my bucket list to one day sit down, have a glass of wine with and discuss his era in the NBA.

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My point is social media has become part of the landscape in this era of  sports. Organizations, analysts, fans, and yes even athletes utilize this venue to get their thoughts out to the masses. The immediacy of it allows for instant reaction to games and events.

The compact nature of the messages allows for a quick thought instead of diatribes or rants. And, the widespread reach is the perfect outlet to share one’s feelings to a broad group. Plus the personal nature of it allows for the author to say precisely what they want without being misquoted.

It does seem a little odd for Carmelo Anthony to respond to his critics and not just in one tweet, but several. Perhaps this also points to how upset Anthony was by the comments sent his way regarding his contract.

The unfortunate part of this of course is the mixed message it sends to his actual fans. For the most part the messages were received like he was thumbing his nose at everyone via his grand lifestyle (the wine, butler, cigar). I’m sure as with most things, this will die down in a few days when the next narrative pushes his to the side.

For now, Carmelo Anthony is the center of attention – just not in the way I imagine he hoped he would be.

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