Drama is defined by Merriam-Webster as a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces. This is the perfect word for the basketball life of Carmelo Anthony, star forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Melo is always involved in some sort of drama, whether it’s the trade request he made to the Nuggets front office or the back and forth public spats with former Knicks president Phil Jackson.
Recently, Carmelo has been informed by the Thunder that he will be released from the team. He has been permitted to speak with the Rockets and the Heat about potentially joining their respective organizations.
Once one of the NBA’s most talented players, Anthony is now a shell of his former self. He no longer is the face of an organization and number 1 option on a playoff contender. His eroding skills, lack of leadership, and reluctance to come off the bench, are part of the problem.
Carmelo has not taken care of himself physically over the years. He has never been a great defender, nor has exhibited the will to improve as a defender. At this point in his career, he disregards defense totally. When his shots are not falling he becomes a liability on the court.
His refusal to be a team player and move away from the ISO ball mentality and label as a ball stopper puts him at a disadvantage when selling his fit to teams looking to win championships. It’s not that he cannot still play, it’s just that he is not the player he used to be and everyone knows it but him.
Comments