Can Carmelo Make A Change?

By Jayla Johnson

Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Thunder at the beginning of the 2017–2018 NBA season. Tim Keown, a ESPN Senior Writer, wrote a story about Anthony adapting to the evolution of playing styles in the NBA.

Kewon made three essential points about Anthony’s current talents. The essential points discussed what Anthony would needed to do to adapt to the new focuses of players. Kewon feels Anthony’s focus has not changed with the evolution of younger players coming into the NBA.

He continues with a statement about players coming into the NBA wanting to be similar to the talents of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Kevin Durant by focusing on skills such as shooting 3-points, pick-and-rolls, and ball handling. Anthony seems to remain his focus on the skills that made him for 15 years in the NBA. In the past, it was known for players to mostly use isolation play, but this simple style is not as common in today’s NBA league.

In this story, Kewon also makes a statement in regards to today’s era of players in the NBA playing more fast paced basketball. Anthony’s teammates Russell Westbrook and Paul George have playing styles that are accustomed to fast paced basketball. Kewon feels that if Anthony’s playing style does not change to meet George and Westbrook, his success will be limited in the future seasons.

Through further analysis of the comments made by Kewon in the story, it becomes clear that Anthony is accustomed to the simple isolation play in basketball. As far as his opinion on Anthony’s role on the Thunder, I disagree with the suggestion of Anthony completely changing to George’s and Westbrook’s playing style. I believe there is a possibility for compromise on the Thunder, so George and Westbrook have an understanding of Anthony’s new role on the team. With the recognition of Anthony’s role on the Thunder, Anthony will not be pushed too far outside his playing ability, yet he is not costing the team to win games.