Carmelo Anthony is originally a small forward in the NBA. However, that is going to change in the 2017-18 NBA season. The veteran is expected to play at power forward now that he is with the Oklahoma City Thunder. On Tuesday, Anthony spoke about his new role. The 10-time All-Star sounded ready for the transition.
"I've been playing the 4 almost all my career," Anthony said according to ESPN. The 33-year-old added that he started seeing action at the power forward position during his days with the Denver Nuggets, who were then coached by George Karl.
The new Thunder star also stated that in today's NBA, positions no longer matter as long as you "fill those spots," "know the offense," and "execute."
Paul George, who also came to Oklahoma City this offseason, is the reason why Anthony is moving a position higher. George will be the one taking the starting duties at small forward for the Thunder.
Projected starting five
Oklahoma City's starting unit is already set with Anthony at power forward. He will start alongside Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, George, and Steven Adams. That group is deadly because each player could provide versatility on both ends of the floor.
Dip in numbers
Anthony is a starter for Oklahoma City and is going to be one of the team's top options.
Despite this, there is a possibility that his offensive and defensive production will decline. In the previous season, suiting up for the New York Knicks, he averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. He was able to put up those stats in New York because he did not have much help. Things are different with the Thunder where he will play with the likes of George and Westbrook, who are franchise stars like him.
Westbrook stuffed the stat sheet in the 2016-17 season. He won the MVP award after averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists, and 1.6 steals a game. Similar to Westbrook, George also had stellar numbers because he was the go-to-guy for the Indiana Pacers. George recorded 23.7 points (career-best), 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest.
With two other franchise players in Oklahoma City, Anthony's numbers are expected to dip a little. It is not a bad thing for him since it means that with the Thunder, he will have ample support.
The new-look Thunder's first game in the regular season will be against Anthony's former team, the Knicks. It is going to be held on October 19 in Oklahoma City.
