Let's take a walk down memory lane... to Sept. 25, 2017.
The location -- Oklahoma City Thunder Media Day.
Carmelo Anthony was asked the following question: "How do you feel about the concept of starting at the 4, or even coming off the bench? And the second question is..."
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"Who me?" Carmelo interjected as he began to laugh incredulously. "I don't know where that started or where that came from (laughing). Hey Pete -- they say I gotta come off the bench (laughing)."
Well, everybody in the basketball world who laughed at Carmelo for laughing at the notion that perhaps he should come off the bench, got the last laugh.
The 10-time All-Star had the worst season of his career -- 78 games (78 starts), 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists, while shooting 40.4 percent from the field.
Against the Jazz in the playoffs, he averaged 11.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.3 assists, while shooting below 38 percent overall and just over 21 percent from deep.
Golden State Warriors
Carmelo was just traded to Atlanta and he will soon be bought out and waived (while still earning all $27.9 million he is owed).
Multiple national reports state that he will ultimately sign with the Rockets.
On Wednesday, Carmelo spoke with Jemele Hill of the Undefeated. Here is an excerpt from her story:
One of the moments that stood out from the Thunder’s tumultuous season was Anthony laughing when he was asked if he’d ever consider coming off the bench. For some, that was just the latest evidence of Melo’s selfishness.
But Pissed Off Melo has a message for you.
“I know how to play this game of basketball,” he said. “I’ve been playing it for a long time. When I feel like I’m ready to take that role, then I’ll take that role. Only I know when it’s best for me to take that role. I’m not going to do that in a situation where I still know my capabilities and what I can do.
And at the end of the day, the people who really matter know my capabilities and what I can still do. You start getting to the media and debates, it’s going to always be kind of back-and-forth.”
Soooooo, he won't come off the bench even if it's what is best for the Rockets?
Houston, you may have a problem...
Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller