Carmelo: "I'm not going to (come off the bench) in a situation where I still know my capabilities"

Are we sure he’s better at PF? I mean I think he should play some of both the 3 and the 4 but are there any stats that actually support he is better as a 4? I mean his only full year as a starting PF was his worst season.

 

No PJ is our starting 4...

 

To be fair I would expect him to start over Ryno.

Paul/MCW
Harden/Gordon
Tucker/Ennis
Melo/Ryno
Capela/Old Man Nene/Frankenstein

 

Well, at least he signed for cheap.

 

Not super relevant whether Melo technically plays 3 or 4 since Tucker can defend 3 thru 5 and we switch everything anyways so it will be based off matchups. Plus we got Capela to defend the rim so I’m not too worried. We’re gonna be fine.

 

Why don’t I get this meme?

 

Who cares? If he signs for the minimum and doesn't play team ball cut his sorry ass! I'd give him a month to adjust, read him the riot act and if acts like a twelve year old let him go. Good teammate, good Melo or f....off.

 

At the risk of bursting everyone's bubble, or the Melo hate pile on, isn't the obvious conclusion here that the Rockets actually want him to start?

I mean, "the people that really matter" he's referring to are his coaches, teammates and gm, right?

 

I've been telling you guys who said he'd come off the bench that there was absolutely no way that was going to happen.

Fortunately, MDA, Morey, CP3, Harden, Tad Brown, Tilman, the ball boys, the Rockets Power Dancers, and all the TC concession workers already understood this. Why half of ClutchFans thought otherwise is beyond me.

We're not getting washed-up, burnt-out Joe Johnson here. We're getting a superstar who is not far removed from his prime. Melo should start, and it's up to MDA and Biglydick to make that work.

 

I am okay with him starting. I dont really understand why the media keep asking him about a bench role. How come they are not asking Dirk to play a bench role in his 20th season? Dirk is old and is not known as a defensive stopper. I just dont think Melo is that bad of a player.

 

I just don’t see how he has the speed to drive by or even defend 3s and more. 4s are typically slower he might be able to take them to the rim easier

 

Melo as starter is first round exit.

 

Who do you want to start over Melo??.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

 

I dont care if he starts but Melo has not been a superstar since Denver. Give him his shot to perform and act like a pro. Not hating just dont understand what anybody has seen that would indicate superstar since he's been in ny. I hope like hell he is an improvement over Luc or Trevor but highly doubt it.

 

Uh-oh

 

Melo will and probably should start for the Rockets this season, the problem with the quote is it shows his oversize attitude, delusion and ego.

Really? He's the only one that can determine if and when he would not start? Like really? He knows how to play the game thus he cant come off the bench?? The guy is still the same selfish, me first player we've always known and not loved.

Can Cp3 change him? Will he buy in and FIT into the Rockets role for him like many people here believe... sure its possible... but what we know so far is his attitude/mindset on his abilities and role haven't changed at all.

If you see a new video interview of Melo talking about his brand and his "company" in some fancy setting, it's time to jump ship.

 

DAMNIT. Why do you people obssess over the bench vs starter. Paul Starts and plays with the second unit. Why cant Melo. Harden plays the whole first quarter. If Melo comes off the bench is going to be playing with harden and no paul. This subject is starting to piss me off with the lack of common sense.

 

Looked up Melo's DRTG the other day and it was surprisingly average. Outside of the Blake Griffins of the world, i don't see too many 4s exploiting him down low. As for him getting exposed on switches, the hope is that he stretches the floor enough to counter whatever he gives up.

As for starter vs bench, start him and play him 20 mins if his shot isn't falling. It's disappointing that he's not doing the "whatever the team needs" bit, but no one is surprised. Up the risk profile!