Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: X-Factors for the top 5 teams entering 2017-18

By Morgan Dunn

INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Isaiah Thomas is introduced as a Cleveland Cavalier at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Isaiah Thomas is introduced as a Cleveland Cavalier at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 12: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Justin Anderson #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 12: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Justin Anderson #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder – Carmelo channeling his Olympic self

The Oklahoma City Thunder have had one heck of an offseason, and one has to give a lot of credit to GM Sam Presti. Presti turned Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a second-round pick into Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. That’s rather insane when you think about it.

Adding George and ‘Melo to a team that already has reigning MVP Russell Westbrook on the roster makes the Thunder an organization that is seriously stocked with top-end talent. However, there have to be concerns about fit when it comes to this newly formed trio.

Westbrook was the ball hog to end all ball hogs last season, partially out of necessity. The guy averaged a triple-double on the season, so the ball hog thing wasn’t as bad as it sounds, but that style of play is not going to win a title. Westbrook surely knows this, so expect him to tone down his hero ball now that his new teammates are in town.

George should fit in nicely on the Thunder. He doesn’t constantly need the ball in his hands to be effective, and he should see a lot of open looks from distance in OKC. Defensively, he’ll provide a lot of value as well.

The real question mark in the equation is how Anthony will fit in. All we’ve ever seen from NBA ‘Melo is isolation, ball-stopping, one-on-one offensive play that was enough to drive any Knicks fan mad for the last six-plus season. He simply can’t play like that anymore.

There is hope, though. We’ve seen ‘Melo play unselfish basketball in the Olympics, and while this team obviously isn’t as talented as those squads it could be talented enough to spark the required stylistic change in Anthony’s game. ‘Melo will play power forward, and if he adheres to the spot-up game he displayed in international play he’ll be an excellent weapon for the Thunder as a stretch four.

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