Anthony’s situation not viewed negatively
DENVER — Carmelo Anthony missed a third consecutive game Tuesday, with the Rockets officially citing an unspecified illness. But no one felt the need to see if he was feeling well enough to play, and not just because Anthony did not make the trip to Denver where his 16-season NBA career began.
With no expectation that Anthony will play for the Rockets again, players and coaches said the period in limbo is not a distraction, even though the team has not announced any plans to waive Anthony, and general manager Daryl Morey on Sunday said he thought Anthony could return when healthy.
“You’d have to talk to Daryl about it and we’ll deal with whatever,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “I want it to work out the best for the franchise and for Carmelo. I don’t think it effects what we’re doing right now. We want to make sure he is taken care of as well as possible, whatever Daryl and others figure out, we’re good as long as they’re good.”
Anthony has missed all three gamese since he shot 1 of 11 in his return to Oklahoma City, with the Rockets choosing to move rookie Gary Clark ahead of him in the rotation. As much attention as the situation has generated given Anthony’s career as a 10-time All-Star, players said they are accustomed to adjusting to change.
“In this league, man, you’ve seen it all, especially the vets,” Rockets forward P.J. Tucker said. “You see all kinds of crazy situations. There’s different things going on. You’re a professional. You go out. You play the other team. The situation is unfortunate, but in this league, you got to say, ‘who’s up next,’ get ready to play and go out and play your (butt) off.”
Anthony averaged 13.4 points in his 10 games this season, making 40.5 percent of his shots. “Obviously, I’m biased,” guard
Chris Paul said. “He’s not just a teammate, a friend, that’s like my family. I just want him to be happy and I want him to get a chance to hoop.”
Asked if getting that chance will be with another team, Paul said, “We’re going to see, we’re going to see.
“I know how much he loves to hoop. That’s all he wants to do.”