In a wide-ranging interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Thunder superstar Carmelo Anthony discussed his activism, his trade to Oklahoma City, missing his family in New York, and more. The interview is worth a read, but Anthony once again discussed his tumultuous exit from New York. The 1o-time NBA All-Star said multiple times before the trade that he wanted to win in New York — and even admitted in the interview that he was prepared to come to media day with the Knicks before a trade was consummated.
“It was bittersweet. That’s my city. I didn’t want to leave like that,” Anthony said. “I didn’t want it to end like that. But it’s just a reoccurring thing that happens in New York. It happened in the past. It happened to other people. It happens all the time. Nobody ever goes out the right way in New York. I wanted to have an opportunity now to go somewhere else rather than wait and dealing with that. It’s at the end. It’s over with.”
The Thunder have played well with Anthony, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George as part of a revamped roster. However, as Anthony touched upon in the interview, being away from his son — who convinced him to join the Thunder — and his wife has been the most challenging part of the process.
Check out other news from the Atlantic Division:
- Gordon Hayward may be done for the rest of the season but he’s still keeping busy as Andrew Joseph of USA Today writes. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge shared a photo of Hayward putting up shots from the free throw line while sitting in a chair.
- Jerryd Bayless‘ left wrist injury will sideline him indefinitely, but the Sixers should have a better idea of his return in about a week, per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Semi Ojeleye, a rookie on the Celtics roster, has a menacing presence and an even stronger desire for NBA longevity, NBA.com’s Marc D’Amico writes.
- Quincy Acy has returned to action and once Trevor Booker is also back in the fold, the Nets‘ frontcourt should be in much better shape, Brian Lewis writes for the New York Post.
I heard rumors that many thunder players are unhappy with their touches on the offense being taken away by PG and melo.
I mean… what did they expect?
Exactly, but who else should Westbrook trust to make some shots?? lol
Besides, it isn’t like anyone else actually stepped up last year, and earned any more shots moving forward…
Some players need to learn their roles, practice hard, play hard, and play well…Then, and only then, can they legitimately gripe about not getting their fair share of chances…Until then, I, personally, don’t care to hear it…
What about Paul George?
Tell you what: Ojeleye may have been an absolute gem in the 2nd round. This dude brings it every night in limited minutes. He has done very well so far!
I called that. I was really surprised he wasn’t drafted earlier.