Roderick McLean | Sports Writer
Carmelo Anthony officially became part of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sept. 23 after the Knicks traded him for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round draft pick, ESPN reported.
Anthony and the Knicks had been trying to part ways this off-season. The Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers were other teams recruiting the 10-time All-Star.
Anthony spent seven seasons with the Knicks, averaging 24.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Now the former NBA scoring leader is teaming with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook and All-Star Paul George. The Thunder has the latest big three in the NBA. One question still remains: What can Anthony, at age 33, do to help Oklahoma City win a championship?
Westbrook, George and Anthony all love having the ball in their hands, so the main issue will be sharing the ball. If they can do that, the Thunder will be a threat.
Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said Anthony will start at power forward this season after playing most of his career as a small forward. He does have experience playing power forward with the USA Olympic team.
The Thunder starting five will be Westbrook, Andre Roberson, George, Anthony and Steven Adams. This Thunder team has the roster and talent to make a deep run into the Western Conference playoffs this season. Westbrook, Anthony and George are different players with different skills.
One thing they all have in common: They are all looking for their first ring.
Anthony has the opportunity now to play on a playoff contender team without the pressure he had back in New York.
The Thunder opens the regular season Oct. 19 against Anthony’s former team.
The Hampton Script 