Tyson Chandler credits the London Olympics for changing Carmelo Anthony’s game – NBA Update
When Miami Heat flushed the New York Knicks out of the playoffs last season in five games, there were many who wondered whether Carmelo Anthony would ever be able to become a player, around whom the Knicks can manoeuvre their team.
For Carmelo back then, it all used to be about him. He wanted all the shots for himself, and would block many offensive plays just to ensure the ball travelled to the rim out of his hands. Most importantly, defence was something
the small forward just refused to excel in.
However over the course of this summer, something changed, and it changed big time.
Carmelo has become a creator this season, he is hustling on the D, rebounding the ball like his life depended on it, and all of this has pushed him to be an even better player on the offense.
According to Tyson Chandler, the reason for this turnaround for Melo was his stint at the 2012 London Olympics;
“I think it’s the best thing that could have happened to him, to be able to play this summer and be able to stay in shape and play at a high level and play against, obviously, incredible competition, as well as get his [mind] right.
Carmelo is a huge competitor and he wants to be one of the best players in this league, and he is one of the best players in this league. Being around those guys this summer I think got his competitive juices going.”
Melo has been sensational so far. He is the main reason why the Knicks 12-4 in the season and is leading the team with 26.6 points per game, second only to Kobe Bryant in the league. He also won the Player of the Week award for
last week in which he averaged 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in four games.
His form has taken a lot of pressure off other players as well and for the first time in the Carmelo Anthony era, the Knicks are looking like a well knitted team, one which is being billed to go the distance this season.
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