In their attempts to rebuild the roster, NBA teams often face challenges, struggling to maintain momentum due to internal issues between management and players. During the 2017 offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder boosted their roster by acquiring star players like Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Despite high expectations, their time together fell short of success.
Recently, both players opened up about their experiences and what went wrong during their stint with the Thunder. During an appearance on the ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ podcast, Anthony recalled a pivotal moment with then-head coach Billy Donovan.
“I was working with Sam [Presti], we were about to figure a deal out. Billy Donovan called me in Paris, and he was like, ‘We want to start developing Jerami Grant into the lineup; he is younger,’ and I was like, ‘Okay, cool. Just tell me you want me to accept that role; I am willing to work with you.’ He was like, ‘Nah, we don’t think it is going to work here anymore,'” Anthony revealed.
George echoed Anthony’s words and expressed frustration over the rushed nature of their time together.
“I thought the whole process was rushed; I was expecting that we were building something here. We got a trio; we saw what it looks like, and now we have a full training camp next year. I just thought it was rushed and too soon. We were only 1 year in,” George said.
Carmelo Anthony and Paul George’s Short Stint With Oklahoma City
Carmelo Anthony’s departure from the Thunder came as a surprise to many, especially given the recognition that accompanied his arrival. After just 78 games, the Thunder traded Anthony to the Hawks. During his time with the Thunder, Anthony averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
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Paul George, who shared brutally honest take on his Los Angeles Clippers stint, experienced a similar fate, although his stay was slightly longer. George played two seasons for the Thunder before the Los Angeles Clippers traded him in 2019. Over his 156 games with the Thunder, George averaged 25.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
