Paul George Defended Carmelo Anthony, Who He Said Has ‘Nothing To Do With’ Houston’s Struggles

Paul George and Carmelo Anthony were two major acquisitions the Oklahoma City Thunder brought in to help Russell Westbrook try to win a title. Only one of those moves, however, really worked out. Westbrook averaged another triple-double for an entire season, and George became beloved by Thunder fans for some big shots and huge performances.

Anthony, however, struggled to find a footing in the Thunder’s system and it seemed inevitable that he would be bought out. George remained in Oklahoma City and re-signed as a free agent, while Anthony found his way to the Houston Rockets. But things haven’t worked out there, either, and it seems like his time as a Rocket is already over.

George was asked about his former teammate on Monday and defended him, claiming that Houston’s problems have “nothing to do with Melo” and echoed the statements that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have said about Anthony in recent days.

“The reason the Rockets aren’t succeeding isn’t because of Melo,” George said. “It has nothing to do with Melo, and for that to be the notion of for that to be the headline is very inaccurate.

George said he hasn’t talked to Anthony about his time in Houston, so he doesn’t have any insight into the situation other than an outside perspective of the team and his experience with him in Oklahoma City. But he made it clear that getting rid of Anthony won’t magically fix what’s ailing Houston.

“The fact of the matter is they’re just not playing great basketball right now,” George said. “As a group. They have great talent. Great players. But it has nothing to do with Melo. Melo’s one of the best scorers, best players, a Hall of Famer. It’s more of a team effort over there.”

George is probably right, and he often defends players first and foremost in these situations. But that doesn’t mean Melo won’t be cast aside here as Houston tries to figure it all out. These words of support from James, George, and Wade won’t save his job, but they do certainly impact the narrative around Anthony in the public eye.