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Oklahoma City Thunder: Carmelo Anthony willing to play more off-ball

By Michael Saenz

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 16: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder exits the court following the Thurder's 111-96 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 16: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder exits the court following the Thurder's 111-96 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Carmelo Anthony continues to show his willingness to play more off-ball, but can it last?

For the majority of his career, Carmelo Anthony has always been the best and most talented offensive player on his team. That was never an issue for Melo.

However, when he was traded from New York to Oklahoma City, many questioned whether he would fit in. Russell Westbrook is a shoot-first type of point guard and needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Throw in Paul George, who is just as, or even more, a prolific scorer than Melo, and it gets a bit more murky.

And after a rough start, which could’ve been predicted, the Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be turning their season around. During the month of December, the Thunder have won 10 of their last 13, including four in a row.

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An perhaps a big part of that is Melo growing into his new role, one that forces him to play a little more off-ball.

"[via ESPN]“I think for me it’s just a matter of accepting that role. That’s all it is,” Anthony said. “Realizing that’s what it’s going to be, these are the type of shots I’m going to get, this is the type of offense we’re going to be running and accepting that, and working on that role. That’s something that I’ve kind of been doing over the past week, is allowing myself to accept that role and do whatever I gotta do to make this team win.”"

After averaging 23 points in October and 18 points in November, Melo is only averaging 14 points in December. He’s taking four shots less than he did at the start of the season and his usage percentage has dropped from 28.3% in October to 21.8% in December.

It’s clear that Anthony is beginning to just fit in rather than justing forcing the issue, which he did at times earlier this season.

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Question is, can this trend continue even when the Thunder fall into a funk? It’s easy for Melo to say all the right things when the Thunder are winning.

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