“Feel Like an Outcast”: Carmelo Anthony Reveals Why His Stint With Rockets Ended

Carmelo Anthony is one of those few NBA talents who played great basketball but still remained devoid of a championship ring. In fact, he never saw the face of the NBA Finals in his 16 years of experience and 12 playoff appearances. Still, seems as if his time with the Houston Rockets overshadows any other form of regret.

The star probably faced his career’s biggest humiliation when he got laid off from the Houston Rockets in 2018-19. The veteran could play only 10 regular-season games before the organization showed him the exit door. He played zero professional basketball for as many as nine months. 

Melo reveals it all about his experience with the Houston Rockets

His short cameo for the Rockets definitely left a sour taste in his mouth and a dark taint in his memories. The 36-YO recently gave an interview where he revealed, “When I get to Houston, the basketball part of it is like…this is another sacrifice, but now I’m sacrificed for a greater good. I’m willing to sell my soul to go win. When I get there, I honestly didn’t feel like I was a part of Houston at all.” 

Further, he spoke exactly why it did not work out there. Back then, Melo had honest words with head coach Mike D’Antoni seeking an answer to his role in the team. But when they asked him to come off the bench, it didn’t go well with the star.

The 10-time NBA All-star explained, “I really feel like an outcast. But Because I got CP there, PJ (PJ Tucker) and James, we’re gonna work this out. I am the piece that that (Rockets) team needs.”

He added, “But that wasn’t their thinking. They wanted me to come in and be a spot-up, corner shooter. Run to the corner, spot-up and that’s it and it didn’t work at all. I used to tell them like look, ‘yo throw me a bone. Like on a switch, just throw it in there.’ I need that feel, I need that touch. You know, I’m a rhythm player. First of all, I can’t come off the bench and then shoot three 3s in a row. I just can’t do that (with the Rockets).”

When things began to fall apart

For 14 straight seasons, Melo averaged 20+ points and recorded his career-high average of 28.7 playing with the Knicks in 2012-13. It was in 2017 when things took a nasty turn for Melo. He left the Knicks to join the Oklahoma City Thunder that already was equipped with stars (Russell Westbrook and Paul George).

So suddenly, from being the first man, he became the third option. That probably didn’t go very well and later something similar repeated with the Rockets. He was asked to be a spot-up shooter, and that was totally unlike his game style, which demands some time to get into the shooting rhythm.

There were rumors of him joining the Lakers. But in the end, the Blazers got him and it worked well as his performance in the Playoffs 2020 is ample proof.