When Carmelo Anthony and Paul George were both traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason, it appeared that OKC was well on its way into entering the Western Conference powerhouse discussion. Instead, OKC has struggled early on, posting a sub .500 mark of 13-14 through 27 contests that has left many scratching their heads.
It is ironic that Anthony wanted out from the New York Knicks due to their ineptness in recent years and now that seems to be translating right over to OKC. When discussing their surprisingly successful previous teams, however, Anthony told Yahoo’s Michael Lee that neither he nor George pay much attention to their former teams, though he’s always had a little extra love for New York.
“Nah, nah. Hell no. We don’t talk about that. We don’t even discuss that, I know I don’t. I think I’ve watched New York play two or three times this year. Paul, I think, the same thing. It’s hard when you’re in another conference. Different time zone. So it’s very difficult. A lot of those guys on that team are close friends. We talk, text, call. We always check up on each other. Other than that, I wish them guys the best. I hope New York can do it. They hold a special place for me.”
PG just made his triumphant homecoming to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and now it’s Anthony’s turn to return to his old stomping grounds in New York on Saturday as OKC continues this 3-game east coast swing.
Anthony elaborated on how it will feel to make his anticipated return, making it clear that the city holds a very special place in his heart:
“I’d be lying if I said I’m not ecstatic to be going back and playing there. Like I said, I got a different feeling with New York. A different relationship, different bond with the city, with the fans, with the people. It’s a little bit special for me.”
Hopefully for the Thunder and for Carmelo Anthony, a return to the Mecca can curb his recent shooting woes. Out of the big 3, Melo has surely had the most difficult time transitioning from a focal point to his complementary position as the team’s third option. The veteran forward has averaged a career-low 17.7 points per game on a paltry 40 percent shooting from the field.
