My bigger concern with them is will they be as effective without russ having the ball. If he's deferring, is he deferring and sitting in the corner because if so that's not the same as a team like GS where there big 4 are cutting and moving so everyone is a threat. Ultimately russ is their best player and when he's really going they're hard to beat. I don't know if they'll necessarily be a big threat on nights where George or Anthony have it going but russ doesn't. Having said that I think it's funny all the concern in here about OKC after losing to Utah yet when it comes to Paul it's the media bias and there's ZERO concern. The hypocrisy is expected though
Hey at least they beat the Knicks at home so the media proclaimed them to the Western Conference Finals
So i noticed the Rockets beat GS in GS & got criticism about CP not fitting after one game. Okc lost to Utah and the same media pundits are saying we need to be patient. Man do they hate the Rockets
the media was saying things like CP3 made a mistake coming here, he’s not needed, his skill set is useless here, etc after just 1 game...a game that he won at GS and he was hobbled in they’re quick to say that CP3 and Harden won’t mesh, but when it comes to Russ, PG, and Melo having issues it’s crickets
Long two pointers from Russ and Melo against a barrage of threes from GSW/HOU and a beautiful system of ball movement in SAS. 4th seed, clearly, at best.
I think a losing streak could really hurt that team. Once the media spins it in a way that puts Carmelo in a negative light I could see the situation become toxic before they get a chance to really work it out
You may be on to something. The idea of "Olympic Melo" over an entire season and playoffs is probably an impossible fantasy. Like most people here, I wanted him in exchange for Ryno. But after learning he was traded to OKC, I wasn't really disappointed.
Too early, just like it's too early to judge Paul/Harden. Let's not get carried away - they will be a top 5 defensive team. Donovan is not great with offense, but they will find a balance.
I agree 100 percent. The fit is strange, and it is just a matter of time before the honeymoon period ends. You don't want the 74th best player in the NBA shooting 25 shots a game when you have Russ Westbrook and Paul G. (And I like Carmelo If he was in a different system. CP3 & Harden controlling his touches would suit him way better)
