Thanks. That's actually just a blog about an article. Here's the quote from the NYT/Stein article: "Anthony announced after the Thunder’s first-round exit last season that he could not stomach returning in 2018-19 in the same limited role, which raises the possibility that the sides could pursue buyout negotiations this off-season." So I get the buyout talk now. But, if his problem really is his "limited role" then Houston should not be a potential landing spot for him. His role here would be much more limited than it was in OKC. He might be playable in the playoffs in the first 2 rounds, but he definitely wouldn't be against GSW. But again, OKC will be interesting to watch this offseason. I hope it's all chaos.
The gent wants out; the gent wants to be paid. He will be in Cleveland w/LBJ or LAL w/LBJ or TheToyShop w/CP3. He'll be a good teammate and an asset.
He's saying he wants a bigger role. I don't think Melo can have a big role on a title contending team. So I guess we'll just have to see where his priorities lie.
IIRC melo was only ok with the limited role if it meant the team performing better. I think he’s ok with it as long as he’s winning.
One would think Melo would feel different after getting paid and getting a chance to play with his best friends....for a title. With all due respect, the idea that Melo wouldn't impact GS's rematch with us, is......kinda out there.
He would be eaten alive against GSW. They would attack him every possession. Not sure if you saw it, but he was awful in the playoffs this year. OKC had to bench him... against the Jazz. So yeah, GSW would be an issue for him. Is he an improvement over Anderson? Of course. But in a game against GSW I'd have Tucker over Melo on the depth chart.
Hopefully! If so, it will be the first time that's the case in his whole career. At this point this feels eerily similar to the hope with Dwight: "He just wants to win at this point!" But with Dwight, we all know. He himself is the issue.
Hay - You're predicating your take here based on Melo playing with Westbrook & Co...That's a far cry from running with CP3/Beard, et al...a real team..with chemistry/a game plan that's proven...We maximize his talents....and the dude is happy..and a happy Melo = close to an Olympic Melo. (which we don't even need..but, we DO need plenty of ammo to beat GS AND the League office) GS has to worry about matching up with US. We got the offense, we got the defense, we give the other team no hope....Oh, got carried away there... It's a great time to be a Houston sports fan !
His priorities lie where he gets out while still getting paid. He'll be aces at his next destination.
We'll see. That's not what Melo is saying right now. Right now he's saying he wants a bigger role, which is not at all the same as "I'll be happy no matter what, so long as I get paid this year."
"I'll be happy no matter what, so long as I get paid this year and play with a Banana Boat bud not that stat-crazed 'Brodie'."
I'm basing my opinion off of what I've seen from Melo. As for the "GSW changes to match up to us" idea, didn't we lessen Capela's minutes against GSW because he didn't match up so well with them? Also, didn't we completely remove Ryan Anderson from our rotation in the playoffs? Seems like the Rockets do some matchup-based changes of their own.
