Has Carmelo Anthony played his last game as a Rocket? That’s the question on everybody’s minds following a tumultuous weekend in which he found himself in the crosshairs of critics and fans alike. If so, it will signify a new low for the 10-time All-Star. After posting his worst numbers since being chosen third overall in the 2003 draft, he agreed to be traded to the lowly Hawks and then waived in a classic “one step back, two steps forward” move. He then joined the Houston Rockets for their 2018-19 campaign in an bid to ride a wave that hitherto had them two quarters away from a Finals stint. Instead, they regressed, and how, and fingers are being pointed in his direction.
Head coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey are right, of course. Pinning the blame for the Rockets’ poor 4-7 start solely on Anthony is unfair. After all, free agency saw the departures of wingmen Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, two stalwarts critical to the success of their switch-all and -always defensive strategy. Then again, there can be no disputing the numbers; they’re eight points worse per 100 possessions when he’s burning rubber on the court than when he’s twiddling his thumbs on the bench, and his career-low offensive norms tell just part of the story.
Make no mistake. Anthony wanted to make his time with the Rockets work. Before committing to the cause of the red and white, he had extensive discussions with D’Antoni and Morey regarding his contributions moving forward. And, upon prodding from resident stars, including close friend Chris Paul, he prepped himself for a role as a full-time substitute, called upon to greet opening tips only when the roster is depleted due to injury. And heading into the season, he was in high spirits, convinced that the arrangement would lead to mutual satisfaction.
Unfortunately, the Rockets hit a snag from the get-go, and because Anthony’s presence was the single most prominent difference year on year, speculation began on whether he would truly be a good fit despite his willingness to make the necessary sacrifices. And, notwithstanding a favorable turn in their schedule that enabled them to string together three victories, it intensified over time. And, internally, it reached a crescendo after they succumbed by a whopping 18 to the Thunder late last week; through the match in which the hosts played without top dog Russell Westbrook, he posted an atrocious minus-22 line and could do no better than make a single field goal out of 11 attempts.
At that point, the situation had become so bad that Anthony then wound up being out of the lineup against the Spurs due to an “illness.” Never mind that he participated in full-contact practice the day before the contest. Yesterday, the same “illness” sidelined him anew while the Rockets carved an easy triumph over the Indiana Pacers. And, under the circumstances, it bears noting that the way D’Antoni and Morey have been addressing scribes’ queries isn’t helping. They’re coating their replies with compliments on how “he’s been great with us,” but at the same time acknowledging that “we’re evaluating everything.”
If reports are true, Anthony would do well to steel himself for one of two things: even less playing time with the Rockets or in the market looking for another employer. He’s signed for the veteran’s minimum of $2.4 million, so it won’t be a big financial strain either way. Rather, the hit will be on his reputation. He knows it. And his buddies know it, too; banana boat mate Dwyane Wade could not help but tweet about how he was being made “the fall guy.”
It’s too bad, really, because Anthony deserves better. Of course, the Rockets do as well — which is why they’ll proceed in a manner they deem best for their competitiveness. In an environment where the best of the best have managed to get even better, they don’t do themselves any favors by staying put, let alone by giving up ground. It’s why they took a gamble on him, and why they may ultimately have to accept that they lost.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
